Locals fish despite warnings

This did not hinder Mr Logan Govender, Mr Sam Nadioo and a score of other fishermen to use their skills at the Modderfontein Dam.

Both Mr Nadioo and Mr Govender were quick to state that they catch and release the fish.

Originally from Durban, the men said fishing is the sport they grew up with.

“We catch, weigh, measure it and release it. We fish for the sport of fishing,” said Mr Govender.

He said that on weekends they take their friends and families on fishing trips around Gauteng.

He said they fish in different dams and lakes in the province.

“In Durban we do the same, but we fish from the ocean. Sometimes we eat the fish from there. But over here, we do not eat the fish. The water in these dams and lakes is not that clean. I would not want to eat a fish from it. I believe there are people who have stayed on this side for too long and now they eat it,” he said.

Mr Nadioo concurred with Mr Govender.

He said he does not eat the fish from Gauteng waters.

He said if they did not catch any fish, the bait they use feeds the ducks and other animals at the dam.

Both said they have not been chased away from the dam by any authority.

“There was no fishing in this dam for some time, but recently people started fishing again. We then joined them. Since we have been coming here, nobody has ever chased us away,” said Mr Naidoo.

He did, however, urge fishermen not to kill the fish population of the dam.

“Catch, weigh, measure and release. How nice will it be when your child catches the fish you once caught some years ago?” he asked.

The NEWS made several attempts to contact the Modderfontein Conservation Society and the City of Johannesburg for comment.

At the time of publishing, no response had been received.