THREE local ski boat anglers paid a heavy price when they and the man who bought their illegal catch each coughed up R2 500 to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife on Thursday.
Events unravelled in the morning when Meerensee CPF and SAPS members on a routine patrol apprehended a young suspect for dagga possession.
This led to bigger fish to fry when a search of a refrigerated bakkie in which the youth had been transported, uncovered numerous fish stored in ice for transportation to Durban.
The fish, reportedly bought from a ski boat owner, comprised a number of species which may not be legally traded.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife District Conservation Manager Frans Mthembu was summoned and the catch was unloaded for inspection at the Richards Bay Skiboat Club.
‘A total of 25 fish were counted, 10 of which were legal for commercial sale and had been properly invoiced,’ said Mthembu.
‘However, 15 were recreational species for which there were no invoices and they paid admission of guilt spot fines for each.
‘The SAPS Water Wing also fined the boat owner R2 500 for a number of non-compliance issues regarding the condition and registration of the boat and its equipment.’
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