SEDIBENG – The Vaal Marina Police together with the Free State SAPS diving Unit conducted an illegal fishing operation at the UJ grounds and Boschkop Farm last week.
Police spokesperson, Constable Tshilidzi de Huis said the operation was held because local native species are being wiped out from the Vaal Dam by illegal fishing, “The illegal fishermen take the fish to Johannesburg and other markets. They also sell the fish to the Chinese, who have a taste for certain fresh fish,” explained De Huis. According to De Huis, illegal fishing also harms the ecosystem “If these illegal matters continue, there won’t be any fish left in the Vaal Dam.”
The operation resulted in three illegal immigrants being arrested, three canoes and 12 fishnets were seized 400 fish were confiscated. The suspects will be charged according to the Nature Conservation Ordinance Act 12 of 1983 sec 71, 73 and 74.
