The case involving an alleged abalone syndicate resumed in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate's Court last week. A report in The Citizen notes that Port Elizabeth businessman Morne Blignault, who is believed to be the kingpin behind the multimillion-rand operation, appeared briefly in court alongside six co-accused, two of whom are Chinese nationals, Huang Zhenyong and Kekun Pan. Blignault’s ex-wife Marshelle, who is also implicated in the case, has been released on bail of R20 000.

The court warned the accused not make contact with any witnesses. The case was postponed until 12 December for copies of the docket and for certain video footage to be obtained. Meanwhile, Eugene Victor and Brad Turner appeared separately in another abalone case. Charges against them include racketeering. The suspected head of the alleged multimillion-rand abalone syndicate, Julian Brown, did not appear alongside Victor and Turner.

Another accused, Edgar Clulow, was also not present at court. Last month Brown was released on bail of R800 000. Brown is accused of heading the enterprise in which he allegedly employed his co-accused. That case was postponed until 4 October. A report in The Herald notes that Brown claims he fears for his life after alleged death threats from one of the state witnesses. A warrant was issued for Brown's arrest after he failed to appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court, but was held over until his next appearance in October.

Full report in The Citizen

Full report in The Herald (subscription needed)