10 May 2016

A recent joint operation between Botswana Police Service, Botswana Defence Force and wildlife department led to the arrest of several illegal fishers at Lake Ngami in Sehithwa.

In one incident, Assistant Superintendent John Kelebeng said three men, all from Maun, were caught with 2 245 fish on May 6. 

He said the three were fined P500 each. Another incident involved a 29-year-old man of Etsha who was caught with 1 745 fish. He was also fined P500.

Assistant Supt Kelebeng said the joint operation was meant to fight illegal fishing, which was rife at Lake Ngami.

He added that fishing remained suspended.

Furthermore, Assistant Kelebeng said the police had not received any reports concerning allegations of illegal fishers being beaten by the joint forces during the operation as some reports had stated. 

He, however, said the law allowed for minimal use of force where applicable.

 Furthermore, he said there was prevalence of rape and possession of dagga cases in his jurisdiction.

He said two men aged 25 and 27 years were helping the police in cases of alleged dagga possession weighing 20 grams and 500 grams respectively.

Assistant Supt Kelebeng said youth were common suspects in cases of dagga possession, which was a bad trend as drugs caused bad behavior and loss of values. ENDS