Joint patrols reduce fish poaching at Tokwe-Mukosi

CASES of fish poaching have dropped significantly at the giant Tokwe-Mukosi Dam in Chivi following the launch of joint patrols by crack teams from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).

Poaching had reached serious levels at Zimbabwe’s largest inland dam, sparking fears that the Command Fisheries programme would be severely compromised.

Tokwe-Mukosi Dam is the main breeding centre for fish in the province under the Command Fisheries programme launched by Water, Environment and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri last year, when 200 000 fingerlings (young fish) were stocked in the dam.

The Command Fisheries programme is expected to be replicated at other major dams dotted across Masvingo such as Lake Mutirikwi, Manjirenji and Manyuchi, using fish bred at Tokwe-Mukosi.

Acting police officer commanding Masvingo Province Assistant Commissioner Coneli Dube on Wednesday said fish poaching had been contained at Tokwe-Mukosi Dam.

‘’We have been doing joint patrols comprising teams from ZRP and Parks (ZimParks) at the dam in the wake of a sharp increase in cases of fish poaching at the Tokwe-Mukosi Dam and we are happy with the situation that is now obtaining on the ground,’’ he said.

‘’On top of the joint patrols, we have also been holding awareness campaigns conscientising surrounding communities on the dangers and risks associated with poaching fish at the dam.’’

Asst Comm Dube said the patrols and awareness campaigns would continue until fish poaching at the dam reach negligent levels.

The move to beef up security at Tokwe-Mukosi Dam came following concern by Government over rampant fish poaching at the dam.

Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Senator Josaya Hungwe last month expressed outrage over rife poaching at Tokwe-Mukosi, a situation he said threatened to derail the Command Fisheries programme in the province.

Senator Hungwe yesterday said he was happy with improvements in the security situation at Zimbabwe’s largest inland water body.

‘’We are happy as Government that latest reports about the state of affairs at Tokwe-Mukosi show that fish poaching cases have drastically gone down after security at the dam was re-enforced,” he said.

“We want Tokwe-Mukosi to be protected because it must be a fisheries hub that will bring economic benefits to the people of Chivi and surrounding areas.’’

Senator Hungwe said Government wanted organised fish harvesting at the dam, with people in surrounding communities encouraged to set up fishing co-operatives and apply for licences from Government.

Several people have been nabbed by Parks rangers and police for poaching fish at Tokwe-Mukosi following the commissioning of the $300 million-dam in May last year.

Some of the fish poachers have also drowned in the dam while using home-made canoes to fish, mainly at night to avoid detection.