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 labor for fishing using a Seine net without license 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 inspector 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 meters Seine Net without a license.

Prosecutor Mwase added that the officers seized the net immediately and arrested the owner.

Appearing in court Jamali pleaded guilty to the charge leveled against him.

In mitigation, the convict asked for the Court’s leniency stating that he is the breadwinner of his family.

However, Mwase reminded the court that due to the illegal use of Seine Nets, Government through Fisheries Department incurs annual costs in the enforcement of the Fisheries regulations hence praying 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 judgment, 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 labor. 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.