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Cephas Shava in Mwenezi
30 Jan 2017 – MWENEZI – Illegal fishermen plying their business in Manyuchi Dam were recently left distressed after their equipment was confiscated by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks).
The wildlife authority seized the fishing nets and five fibre boats that belong to the fish poachers as part of measures to rid the dam of illegal fishing activities.
The affected fishermen told TellZim News that it was no longer business as usual for them and the going had become tougher because Zimparks was tightening surveillance around the dam.
When this reporter visited the dam, it was almost deserted with only a few people fishing from the peripheries of the dam using fishhooks.
The scene was rare because the dam had for long become a hive of activity for illegal fishermen who use fibre, homemade boats and nets.
Many complained that Zimparks had destroyed their only source of living in a difficult economy.
“I have been fishing for the past five years after being deported from South Africa. I have managed to support my family through fishing but I have now ran out of ideas as to how we will survive,” said one of the fishermen.news
