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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
SOUTH African police on Wednesday night intercepted a truck load of abalone fish worth R6 million intended for smuggling into Zimbabwe via the Botswana border.

The trade of abalone shellfish, which is regarded as endangered species, is prohibited in most Sadc countries.

Abalone shellfish is a unique type of snail classified under the gastropod phylum-mollusca and is often referred to as the sea ear because of its flattened shape.

This type of seafood is considered a delicacy in Asia.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe yesterday said the smuggling attempt was busted at their border with Botswana (Groblersburg Border Post).

He said they were still pursuing the driver and another suspect who fled after realising that their plot had been discovered.

“The South African Police Service in Limpopo made a major breakthrough when millions worth of abalone were recovered during a regular stop and search operation at the Groblersburg Port of Entry.

“The recovery, which is considered a step closer to breaking the back of abalone trade, occurred when a truck travelling to Zimbabwe via Botswana was last night (Wednesday), stopped by the police at the search point of the border post. During the search, the driver and his crew jumped off, ran away on foot and disappeared in the darkness,” said Col Ngoepe.

“The police continued searching the truck and found a hidden compartment under the loading bin stashed with bags of potatoes. Inside these bags, there were 1350 kilogrammes of abalone with the estimated value of R6 million”.

Col Ngoepe said anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects, may contact Captain Richard Boshomane on +2779 894 5501 or the crime stop number +27860010111, the crime line SMS 32211 or the nearest Police Station.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Nneke Jim Ledwaba yesterday commended the efforts to curb smuggling by the police and the border authorities.

He said the interception was a milestone achievement by the security authorities.

The smuggling of abalone between Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana is common.

In May 2012, two South Africans – Alick Maunwere (30) and Joseph Ndanganeni Ndou (48), were arrested after smuggling 973 packets of abalone fish worth nearly R40 million rand into Zimbabwe via Beitbridge Border Post.

The contraband had been concealed in packets of charcoal.

Earlier that year, another South African truck was intercepted while carrying a similar consignment worth R18 million destined for Harare.

In September last year, two Mozambicans were arrested at the Plumtree Border Post while smuggling from Botswana R26 million worth of sea snails weighing almost two tonnes.