Two foreign nationals are due to appear in the Kuilsrivier Magistrates Court on Thursday, 13 August 2026, after they were arrested in Brackenfell for the illegal possession of dried abalone.

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Frederick C. van Wyk says a 49-year-old Chinese national and a 36-year-old Tanzanian national were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by members of the Kuilsrivier Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit and the Maitland Flying Squad.

“Information regarding a storage facility in Brackenfell Industrial Area containing abalone was received and followed up on by members. The identified vehicles were spotted and pursued, and the storage facility was searched. Inside the facility, 9,439 units of dried abalone were found. The value is yet to be determined.”

Van Wyk says two vehicles, a Hyundai IX35 and a GWM pickup truck, were also seized during the operation.

“The two suspects are due to appear in court on Thursday, 13 August, on charges relating to the possession of abalone without the required documentation.”

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