Two Chinese nationals – Shiping Ye (27) and Meifang Lou (46), appeared at the Bellville Regional Court following their arrest on 13 February during a Hawks-led multidisciplinary operation that uncovered abalone worth a total value of R3 162 300.
“This abalone was found in an illicit Abalone drying facility in Durbanville, Cape Town,” said police spokesperson, Captain Philani Nkwalase.
“Several drying equipment used to process abalone were seized along with the wet, dried and processed abalone.
“Meifang Lou was on 15 February, released on R60 000 bail, whilst Shiping Ye remained in custody as he did not have proper documentation to be in the county. ”
Chinese nationals agreed to be deported over illegal abalone operation
Capt Nkwalase said that the two pleaded guilty on both charges of receiving, possession and selling as well as transporting and possession of illegally poached abalone.
“Subsequently, the Bellville Regional Court sentenced the duo to a fine of R150 000 each. Additionally, the duo was sentenced to five years imprisonment and another additional two years. Both sentences are wholly suspended for five years with stringent conditions.”
He said that the Chinese nationals voluntarily agreed to be deported back to their county as part of the plea sentence agreement.
Follow more RNEWS articles, subscribe to our YouTube channel and for breaking news LIKE us on Facebook. For news on the Western Cape click here.
