Heavy sentence for Chaka’s Rock crayfish poacher
A well-known crayfish poacher in the Ballito area was sentenced this week.
A Groutville man was found guilty of poaching crayfish on the Dolphin Coast, at the Stanger Magistrates Court on April 20, according to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
Mbongiseni Kehla Dube aka David Dube (58) was sentenced to an effective R12,000 or 12 months imprisonment for charges under the Marine Living Resources Act.
On May 4, 2015, Dube was found in possession of 21 East Coast Rock Lobster (crayfish) on the beach at Chakas Rock and arrested and charged by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife officers for exceeding his daily bag limit of crayfish by 13 and also for possession of one undersized crayfish.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife marine conservation manager, Lionel van Schoor said Dube is a well-known crayfish poacher in the Ballito area.
“He has been been apprehended and charged by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff on numerous occasions,” said Van Schoor.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife community conservation officer, Wayne Evans and marine scientist, Tembisa Jordaan gave extensive evidence in aggravation of sentence pointing out the ecological reasoning regarding bag limits, size limits and closed seasons associated with East Coast Rock Lobster.
Evans also pointed out to the court that previous sentences and fines handed down to Dube had not been a deterrent and asked the court to impose an effective fine coupled with a jail term.
“Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reminds all anglers that in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act a permit is required when fishing for East Coast Rock Lobster.
“There is a bag limit of eight per person per day of which all East Coast Rock Lobster in your possession must be of a minimum legal size limit of 65mm.
“No person may fish for East Coast Rock Lobster during the closed season period – November 1 to the last day in February,” said Evans.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
