A joint operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Bellville, Crime Intelligence Counter Narcotics and Gangs Western Cape as well as Department of Forestry, Fishery and the Environment resulted in the conviction and sentencing of a Chinese national, Tao Wu at the Khayelitsha Priority Court on Tuesday 27 June 2023.
During November 2016, the members executed a search warrant at Kewridge Street, Egdemead.
On arrival at the premises, they discovered an illegal abalone drying facility where 8776 units of dried abalone, 26 units of wet abalone and other equipment were seized.
The abalone is worth approximately R2 million.
Two Chinese males were found on the premises and were eventually arrested and charged for operating an illegal fish processing establishment and illegal possession of abalone.
After several court appearances, Tau Wu (51) and Wie-Wen Wie (52) were eventually granted bail.
Both accused were supposed to appear in Khayelitsha Priority Court for sentencing on 27 June 2023 with accused one, Wie-Wen Wie absconding and a warrant of arrest was issued against him.
The second accused, Tao Wu who was present at court was found guilty on two counts of contravention of the Marine Living Resources Act.
On the first count, he was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment or R100 000.00 fine of which twelve (12) months and R50 000.00 were suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused in not convicted on same contraventions during the period of suspension.
On the second count, he was sentenced to a term of 36 months imprisonment which is suspended for five years on condition that the accused is not convicted on the same contraventions during the period of the suspension.
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