Two suspected perly poachers literally had a run-in with the law when they crashed into a SAPS vehicle in an attempt to evade arrest.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk says the two men will face charges of attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving and the illegal possession and transportation of abalone.
According to a source, police reacted to a tip-off about a silver-coloured vehicle transporting perlemoen on the R43 towards Cape Town on Wednesday.
“The vehicle was spotted on the R43 on-ramp to the N2 direction Cape Town and was ordered to pull over but were ignored,” explains Van Wyk.
The suspects’ silver Jeep Cherokee crashed into the SAPS vehicle near an olive farm outside Bot River and landed in a ditch.
They tried to flee but the long arm of the law caught up with them.
When cops searched the larney SUV, they found 203 fresh abalone with an estimated street value of R100 000.
“The vehicle they used was also seized,” says Van Wyk.
The two suspects are due to appear in Caledon Magistrates’ Court soon.