Hawks secure vehicle forfeiture in abalone smuggling case

Following the conviction of an abalone smuggler who entered a guilty plea with a sentence of 12 months imprisonment or a R30 000 fine, while his co-accused absconded, the Hawks' Asset Forfeiture Investigation, in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit, have secured a forfeiture order to seize a vehicle that was used in the commission of the crime.

Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi of the Hawks, the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, explained that the Hawks' Asset Forfeiture Investigation, in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit, secured a forfeiture order which was granted by the Western Cape Division of the High Court. The order was issued on January 28, and received by the Hawks on February 9, 2026.

Vukubi explained that during November 2021, the Hawks' Economic Protected Resources (EPR) members, together with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), received information regarding a vehicle that was transporting abalone illegally.

He added that the information was operationalised and a suspect with the vehicle was identified. Further investigation led the team to Plattekloof suburb and Century City, where these illegal activities were allegedly conducted.

“A white Honda CR-V was found in Century City, and upon searching the vehicle, numerous bags of dried abalone were discovered. The abalone was valued at R1 991 164.55. The Honda was seized as it was used as an instrumentality to commit the crime,” Vukubi detailed.

He said two suspects were subsequently arrested, and the matter against accused 2, Ernst Muller, was finalised on April 24, 2025 via a guilty plea.

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Cape Argus