DUO SENTENCED FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION AND TRANSPORTATION OF ABALONE

Photo: Crime Scene Logo

Supplied

By: Neo Ntsele

The Edenburg Regional Court sentenced Mxolisi Andrew Khinana 32, and Mduduzi Nephtaly Phafoli 43 to five year direct imprisonment each, on charges of possession of abalone without a permit and illegal transportation thereof under Marine Act 18 of 1988.

The sentence was imposed on Friday, 04.

The conviction and sentencing originates from 4 June 2023, when the Trompsburg Highway Patrol members were conducting patrol duties on the N1 just outside Trompsburg stopped a white Toyota bakkie with a canopy.

Upon searching the back of the bakkie, police found black refuse bags filled with abalone.

The accused were arrested on the spot.

Head of the Hawks in the Free State, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba has applauded the outstanding investigative work by the team.