The Mangochi Senior Resident Magistrate’s Court on March 31, 2022 convicted and sentenced Idrisah Jamali, 41, to 3 and half years imprisonment with hard labour for fishing using Seine net without licence contrary to section 14(1) of the Fisheries, Conservation and Management Act.
According to Mangochi Police Spokesperson Sub-inspector Amina Tepani Daudi, during court proceedings Station Prosecution Officer lnspector Amos Mwase told the court that, on February 10, 2022 Makokola Marine Police Officers jointly with officers from the Fisheries Department were on water patrols along Lake Malombe.
Upon arrival at the lake’s coordinate 5-14-603070 degrees they intercepted a boat belonging to the convict while fishing using a 240 metres Seine Net without licence.
Prosecutor Mwase added that, the officers seized the net immediately and arrested the owner.
Appearing in court Jamali pleaded guilty to the charge levelled against him.
In mitigation the convict asked for Court’s leniency stating that he is a breadwinner to his family.
However, Mwase reminded the court that due to illegal use of Seine Nets, Government through Fisheries Department incurs annual cost in the enforcement of the Fisheries regulations hence prayed for a stiffer penalty.
Mwase added that the mesh size of the Seine Net, fishes out including a one day old fish, which is against the law.
Passing judgement, Senior Resident Magistrate Rodrick Michongwe concurred with the state.
He therefore sentenced him to 3-years and also to pay a fine of K20,000 in default 6 months imprisonment with hard labour. However the convict opted not to pay the fine.
Michongwe also ordered Police to burn the confiscated Seine Net.
Jamali hails from Chitenje Village, Traditional Authority Chowe in Mangochi District.
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