An ANC official was expected to appear in the Hermanus Magistrate's Court on Wednesday after being found in possession of a large amount of abalone, SABC news reported.

Police, acting on a tip-off, tried to nab him as he was driving an ANC-branded car. He allegedly refused to stop but was later arrested. More than 2400 pieces of abalone, in black plastic bags, were allegedly found in his possession.

Overberg district municipality mayor Maurencia Gillian said the man had been suspended.