A POCAHER was given a R12 000 fine or a 12-month prison sentence on Wednesday for breaking the Marine Living Resources Act. Mbongiseni Kehla Dube (aka David Dube), 58, of Ethembeni Groutville, was sentenced in the Stanger Magistrates’ Court after he was found in possession of 21 East Coast rock lobsters.
Dube, who is a well-known crayfish poacher in the Ballito area, was apprehended and charged by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife staff on numerous occasions. According to Wayne Munger of Ezemvelo, Dube was found in possession of 21 East Coast rock lobsters (crayfish) on the beach at Shaka’s Rock and arrested.
“He exceeded his daily bag limit of crayfish by 13 and he was also charged for being in possession of an under-sized crayfish. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife members, Wayne Evans (marine prosecutions officer) and Tembisa Jordaan (marine scientist) gave extensive evidence in aggravation of sentence, pointing out the ecological rational regarding bag limits, size limits and closed seasons associated with East Coast rock lobsters.
“Evans also pointed out to the court that previous sentences and fines handed down to Dube had not been a deterrent and asked the court to impose an effective fine coupled with a jail term. In terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, a permit is required when fishing for East Coast rock lobsters. There is a bag limit of eight per person per day, of which all East Coast rock lobsters in your possession must be of a minimum legal size limit of 65mm. No one can fish for the species during the closed season period from 1 November to the last day in February,” he said.
