25 Feb 2014

Fishermen and residents have been called upon to create a harmonious working environment with relevant government departments in order to fight crime at Lake Ngami.

The plea was made during a stakeholders meeting organised by Sehithwa Crime Prevention Committee which raised concerns about the alarming crime and number of drowning incidents.

They said it was wise to create a conducive environment among the fishermen association, village trust, village development committee, the crime prevention committee and relevant departments with a view to come up with ideas to address the situation at the lake.

The deputy district officer, Ms Gaehetswe Maphakwana complained about pollution caused by fishermen at the lake noting that the community and livestock drank the polluted water.

She urged the fishermen and women to ensure they worked in a clean, attractive environment to maintain the beauty of the lake. She said they should understand that the lake was a source of income for the locals hence the need to preserve and take care of it.

Ms Maphakwana also stated that they were intending to develop a plan whereby communities would benefit from the natural resources around them.

She regretted that some fishermen had turned the lake into a drinking area and a small market noting that some were selling alcohol at the fishing sites while others sold clothes. She also pointed out that some people were using the mosquito nets to catch fish.

She said such a practice posed a health risk to the communities as the nets were treated with some chemicals which repelled mosquitos.

Sehithwa station commander, Superintendent Zakes Masike requested fishermen to relocate their camps from the lake and rent in the village.

In the previous meeting, he complained about the increasing number of drownings at the lake noting that last year they recorded five as compared to three and two in the year 2012 and 2011 respectively.

The drowning incidents were caused by people fishing during strong winds, overloading of canoes and fishing while under influence of alcohol.

Assistant Superintendent Moutlwatse Ikobeng revealed that some employ foreigners without permits and it makes their job difficult to trace their families and place of origin.

He cited as an example some refugees from Dukwi camp who were employed and not paid on timeHe said they had to accommodate at the police one of them who came to collect his dues from this employer but the employer never fulfilled his promiseAssistant Superintendent Ikobeng called on fishermen to work hand in hand with the police as their mandate is to protect them.

However, the fishermen and women representatives agreed to cooperate and to move 500 metres away from the lake. They resolved to liaise with the sub land board to identify some places where they could camp since the sites they are using are illegal.

They also promised to keep the lake clean and attractive. Meanwhile Wildlife officer, Mr Kaelo Nkile informed the meeting that their patrols are ongoing in all fishing sites as they have realized that some people have been fishing illegally despite the fact that fishing has been stopped.

He said they managed to impound some canoes adding that police also recently arrested some fishermen. ENDS