There is a saying that a policeman is always on duty.
That saying rings true for Toti SAPS member, Clint Lourens who sprang into action after he spotted people putting gill nets out in the Umbogintwini River while on his way home after working a 12-hour shift on Friday, 20 January.
Facing possible dog kennel treatment at home, as he had promised his wife they were going out, he decided to risk it and called Community Crime Prevention Organisation (CCPO) committee member, George Snodey.
“I picked up a youngster who is always keen to help and when we got to the river that runs through Toti Golf Club, we saw what Clint meant when he said there was more than one net and they probably had a combined length of about 500 to 600 metres,” said Snodey.
After labouring for about two hours to pull, cut and rip out the nets, they were successful in dashing the illegal netters‘ devious plans.
“The nets will be torched as soon as they dry out,” said Snodey.
I haven’t managed to get hold of Clinton since he left for home and I fear the worst, but I’m sure his good wife Andrea will understand that for some policemen the call is too strong to ignore.
Although we got home well after 8pm and it wasn’t exactly the best way to spend a Friday evening, it was well worth it.
It was very satisfying as in the 30 minutes that the nets were in the river, we extracted a good few barbel. Who knows how many would have been killed during the night?
Thanks Clint for not just ignoring it and doing the right thing.”
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