16 Jul 2015

About five suspects have been arrested for illegal fishing at Lake Ngami this week.

Senior wildlife officer, Mr Patrick Machana, has confirmed that they arrested the suspects in two separate incidents at Toteng stop and search point, a bridging point from Sehithwa to Maun.

He said the first incident involved two men who were driving a white Isuzu 4x4 loaded with 1 329 fresh fish.

The incident took place on Monday (July 13) night around 1130 pm. He said the second incident involved a woman and two men who were caught around 1230 am in possession of 2 665 fish.

Mr Machana said the trio used a white Toyota Hilux 664, which was loaded with 664 salted dry fish and 2 001 fresh fish. He said that they managed to arrest the culprits following a tip-off.

He revealed that despite the fact that fishing has been suspended at the lake, people continue to fish illegally.

He said that they arrest people on a weekly basis at the lake.

All the suspects are remanded in custody awaiting trial.

Assistant Superintendent Moutlwatsi Ikobeng of Sehithwa police said it is disturbing to see people, especially foreigners, perpetually committing the offence. A first offender is charged P200 or three months imprisonment while a second offender is charged P500 plus three months imprisonment.

According to a wildlife officer, Mr Isaac Batsile, the Fish Amendment Act is yet to be reviewed to help arrest the situation. Ends