The men and women arrested in connection with the second-largest haul of perlemoen in the province were released on bail in the Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Wei Ping, 31, Weng Shu Ying, 31, Weiling Yen, 23, and Zhang Beiping, 49, were released on bail of R30,000 with strict conditions.
They were allegedly caught with six tonnes of perlemoen and arrested after police and the Hawks raided a house in Kamma Heights about three weeks ago.
Perlemoen to the value of R15m spilling from a bath, several giant pots filled to the brim and dozens of drying racks packed with the prized shucked shellfish were found at the house.
A fifth accused, Luthando Mabutya, 36, was released on bail earlier when the state indicated that it would not oppose his bail.
It is believed that Mabutya could turn state witness.
The accused, represented by advocate Jason Thysse, handed in affidavits in support of their bail application.
In their affidavits, they said they had no previous convictions or pending court cases.
The court found that though the four had family ties in China, there was no evidence to suggest they would be a flight risk.
As part of their bail conditions, they handed in their passports.
The accused must also report to the Walmer police station from Monday to Friday between 6am to 6pm and inform the investigating officer if they want to leave the city.
The case was postponed to September 17 for further investigation.
HeraldLIVE
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