Anglers slapped with N$63 000 in fines
A group of ten anglers – eight South Africans and two Namibians – were caught and arrested at Terrace Bay last Friday with 18 kabeljou worth just over a N$1 000 and fined a total of N$63 000 for contravening multiple angling regulations.
Authorities cracked down on the illegal fishing operation when officials from the ministries of fisheries and environment found the group harvesting marine resources in a restricted area.
Although the anglers had obtained fishing permits, they did not comply with prescribed regulations and were caught fishing in a prohibited area, guided by two Namibian nationals.
The two local men, Asenane Shikongo (30) and Johannes Kaimbi (46), were accused of guiding the group into the prohibited area.
The South Africans have been identified as Singh Vlschal (52), Allshay Jargarnath (52), Fenzil Shah (43), Sanjas Manilall (59), Ashley Ramidath (44), Umoshi Karson (62), Rajish Jaichahn (65) and Vijakahand Maharaj (52).
They were found in possession of 18 kabeljou, some of which were undersized, with a combined value of approximately N$1 080.
Swift action
Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi confirmed the arrests to Network Media Hub (NMH), saying the men were "found in clear violation of multiple marine resource regulations and nature conservation ordinances. The authorities acted swiftly to prevent further illegal activities."
They men were charged with illegally harvesting marine resources, possessing kabeljou fish under 40 cm in length, diverting from a designated road and other conservation offences under the Nature Conservation Ordinance of 1975.
Following their detention at Khorixas Police Station, they appeared before the Khorixas Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Each of the culprits was fined N$3 000 for the first offence or six months imprisonment in default of payment, N$300 for the second offence and N$3 000 for the third offence or six months imprisonment in default of payment. The total fines amounted to N$63 000.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over social media posts showing unidentified persons boasting large hauls of kabeljou, allegedly caught along the central coast. While authorities have not directly linked these videos to the Terrace Bay incident, the footage has sparked public outrage over possible widespread illegal fishing practices.
Shikwambi has urged the public to report any suspicious fishing activities.
Authorities cracked down on the illegal fishing operation when officials from the ministries of fisheries and environment found the group harvesting marine resources in a restricted area.
Although the anglers had obtained fishing permits, they did not comply with prescribed regulations and were caught fishing in a prohibited area, guided by two Namibian nationals.
The two local men, Asenane Shikongo (30) and Johannes Kaimbi (46), were accused of guiding the group into the prohibited area.
The South Africans have been identified as Singh Vlschal (52), Allshay Jargarnath (52), Fenzil Shah (43), Sanjas Manilall (59), Ashley Ramidath (44), Umoshi Karson (62), Rajish Jaichahn (65) and Vijakahand Maharaj (52).
They were found in possession of 18 kabeljou, some of which were undersized, with a combined value of approximately N$1 080.
Swift action
Police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi confirmed the arrests to Network Media Hub (NMH), saying the men were "found in clear violation of multiple marine resource regulations and nature conservation ordinances. The authorities acted swiftly to prevent further illegal activities."
They men were charged with illegally harvesting marine resources, possessing kabeljou fish under 40 cm in length, diverting from a designated road and other conservation offences under the Nature Conservation Ordinance of 1975.
Following their detention at Khorixas Police Station, they appeared before the Khorixas Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Each of the culprits was fined N$3 000 for the first offence or six months imprisonment in default of payment, N$300 for the second offence and N$3 000 for the third offence or six months imprisonment in default of payment. The total fines amounted to N$63 000.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over social media posts showing unidentified persons boasting large hauls of kabeljou, allegedly caught along the central coast. While authorities have not directly linked these videos to the Terrace Bay incident, the footage has sparked public outrage over possible widespread illegal fishing practices.
Shikwambi has urged the public to report any suspicious fishing activities.
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