Caught in the act: Gill net poachers target Richards Bay Harbour

Gill net fish poachers took another hit last week when members of the Anti-Poaching Reaction Unit (APRU) mounted night patrols following a tip-off from the public.

Working hand-in-hand with the SAPS Waterwing and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the APRU caught poachers in the act of laying nets in the Richards Bay harbour.

One poacher was arrested, while another managed to escape. DFFE officials expedited the detention of the suspect.

Four gill nets, each 100m long, were recovered, along with oars, a hammer and other equipment.

A second patrol that night saw one boat containing two nets, seized. A total of 26 dead fish were found.

The APRU welcomes volunteers and sponsors.

Contact chairperson Melinda Ashington for more details on 082 5584275.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY