Suspected abalone poachers ended belly up when they collided with traffic cops and officials after a high-speed chase.
Traffic officials, cops, the fire department and officials from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries all rushed to the scene where the bakkie had landed on its side in Main Road, Hermanus, yesterday afternoon shortly after 3pm.
One suspect who was travelling in the white Nissan bakkie that crashed into a vehicle of Overstrand Traffic Department and a DAFF bakkie, was arrested.
The bakkie landed on its side on the pavement.
The suspect, dressed in a red top and a beanie on his head, stood upright in the bakkie’s cabin while officials gathered evidence at the scene.
According to police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk, local Law Enforcement and DAFF officials were driving in Kwaaiwater, Hermanus, when they noticed the Nissan bakkie driving recklessly.
“The vehicle was stopped and searched when the driver suddenly jumped back into the Nissan LDV and drove away with the passengers running away,” he adds.
When the traffic officials tried to stop the vehicle, a collision occurred.
According to Van Wyk both the traffic officials and DAFF vehicles were damaged.
A traffic official was injured during the collision.
“The Nissan landed on its side and in a concealed compartment members found abalone,” adds Van Wyk.
Cops seized 1 163 abalone and diving equipment.
“A 32-year-old man from Hawston was arrested and will appear in the Hermanus Magistrate’s Court once charged,” says Van Wyk.