The poachers normally raid during the night and take all our fish and fishing nets. In most cases the poachers will be armed with rifles and knives. Incidences of this nature have been on the increase since police stopped patrolling in the lake two years ago, said Clever Ndlovu, a fisherman.
Also affected by the marauding poachers are council fishing cooperatives. The one in Gache Gache was recently forced to suspend operation due to the daring poachers.
We have been forced to temporarily close business due to raids from Zambian fish poachers. We are currently in talks with the police and council so that the issue of our security can be addressed, said Son Mudhimba, the chairperson of Kareva fishing cooperative.
The poachers, who brave the risk of attacks from hippopotamus and crocodiles, are also poaching in commercial fish breeding cages owned by Lake Harvest.
There are about 200 gill netting units in Kariba, 150 fishing cooperatives and about 110 individual fishermen licensed by the local authority to carry out fishing activities.
Post published in: News