ON AUGUST 4, a joint operation by the police and the Coastal Marine Task Force (CMTF) disrupted illegal gillnetting activity in the Umgababa River, near the N2 South bridge.

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According to a member of the anti-poaching team, who requested anonymity for security reasons, the incident occurred at around 06:35. Police officers from the K9 Unit, travelling southbound along the N2, spotted a small boat with a single occupant setting a gillnet in the river, an illegal fishing method.

“As officers attempted to intercept, the suspect fled the scene using the boat, leaving the net behind. The police immediately notified the CMTF. Members responded, and upon arrival at the scene, successfully retrieved the gillnet with the assistance of the three K9 Unit officers,” said the member.

The gillnet measured approximately 100m in length. Nine live tilapia were found entangled in the net and were released back into the water. The net was confiscated, and at the time of publication, no arrests had been made.

“The area will remain under active surveillance, and follow-up patrols are expected in partnership with the police and local security companies. Illegal gillnetting poses a serious threat to local fish populations and river health. This type of enforcement is only possible through strong collaboration between law enforcement and committed community members,” he said.

Gillnetting is illegal in South African inland and coastal waters under the Marine Living Resources Act (Act 18 of 1998), with violators facing significant fines or criminal prosecution.

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