Fishermen brave ‘dangerous waters’ despite lives lost during illegal activity
The recent rains has seen the water level of the Nandoni Dam and Luvuvhu River increase greatly which has prompted many people to make a living fishing there illegally
LIMPOPO – Despite it being illegal to fish at the Nandoni Dam and Luvuvhu River without a licence, the recent rains have brought new hope to illegal fishermen who make a living through selling fish along the side of the road.
The recent heavy rains has brought salvation in more ways than one as many people can be seen along the Punda Maria road selling fish they caught.
Most of the people who are benefitting from the influx of fish in the dam are the Zimbabwean nationals living in the Vhembe area.
One of the fishermen, a Zimbabwean national, Tendai Moyo said: “We thank God for the recent rains as it has created an opportunity for us to make money again. Selling fish is better that doing other part time jobs which do not pay enough money. Through selling fish, I am able to make more than R1 000 a day”.
Over the years the Nandoni Dam has claimed many lives of people fishing along its banks who drowned or were killed by the crocodiles within its waters despite numerous efforts by local police to warn and stop people from fishing there.
“I know it is dangerous to fish at the dam because there are many crocodiles, but I have no other choice as this is my only source of income. I either do this or I die of hunger,” Moyo added.
Another Zimbabwean national who fishes at the dam, Method Ndlovu, said: “People keep warning us against fishing in the dangerous dam, saying over the years many people have lost their lives but they forget that we crossed the Limpopo River which is full of crocodiles when we came here”.
Vhembe District Municipality Spokesperson, Matodzi Ralushai, urged those who want to fish to apply for a fishing licence with the National Department of Water Affairs as it is illegal to fish at the dams and rivers in the area without a licence.
“We are warning people to refrain from fishing illegally as it is dangerous. We urge them to rather follow the right channels in order for them to make a living through fishing,” Ralushai said.
