By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
Kariba—In a decisive ruling, Kariba magistrate Simon Kandiero sentenced four fish poachers yesterday for operating without permits and using illegal twine nets.
The verdict comes as Lake Kariba faces a severe decline in fish populations, raising concerns among conservationists and industry players.
Tinashe Makwanya and Prince Nyambira were sentenced to four months in prison, with two months suspended for three years on the condition of good behavior.
The court acknowledged their guilty pleas and cooperation but stressed the necessity of custodial sentences to curb the growing poaching crisis.
Lion Mangirazi, a first-time offender, received a lighter two-month sentence, with one month suspended. However, repeat offender Tonderai Chiguvare was given a stricter four-month term, plus an additional two months due to a previously suspended sentence.
Magistrate Kandiero warned that unchecked poaching could lead to the collapse of Lake Kariba’s fish stocks.
Prosecutor Nyasha Paundi revealed that the four men were caught on March 21 by the Matusadona Anti-Poaching Project in the Gatch Gatch area and Gordon Bay.
They were found fishing without permits and using illegal twine nets and “dombola” traps, which drive fish into enclosures, exacerbating the depletion of fish populations.
Fishing expert Edigar Sthiole underscored the devastating impact of these methods.
“Fishermen using illegal twine nets are depleting Kariba’s fish stocks at an alarming rate,” he said, noting the increasing use of these destructive tools.
The environmental consequences are staggering. Lake Kariba’s annual kapenta catch has plummeted from approximately 20,000 tonnes in 1999 to just 9,000 tonnes in recent years.
This sharp decline has forced several fishing companies to shut down, leading to significant job losses.
As experts continue investigating the root causes of dwindling fish stocks, urgent action is needed to safeguard Lake Kariba’s ecosystem and promote sustainable fishing practices for future generations.
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