The Edenburg Regional Court sentenced Mxolisi Andrew Khinana (32) and Mduduzi Nephtaly Phafoli (43) on charges of possession of abalone without a permit and illegal transportation thereof under the Marine Act 18 of 1988 on Friday, 4 July 2025
According to Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti, 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.
“Both Khinana and Phafoli were found guilty of illegal possession of abalone and transportation of abalone and sentenced to five years direct imprisonment each,” said Matoti.
Head of the Hawks in the Free State, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, has applauded the outstanding investigative work by the team.
Compiled by Justine Fortuin
