Kruger Park: Remains of alleged illegal fisherman retrieved from dam
An alleged illegal fisherman died after fleeing rangers at Kruger Park’s Mestel Dam, where fishing is prohibited. Three suspects face charges.
The search for an alleged illegal fisherman at a dam in the Kruger National Park has ended with the recovery of a man’s remains, days after he reportedly fled from rangers and entered the water.
The incident unfolded at Mestel Dam in the Pretoriuskop section of the park during the early hours of 28 August. Field rangers were alerted to suspected illegal fishing at about 02:00 and responded to the scene.
According to SANParks, four people were allegedly found using fishing nets. Three surrendered and were arrested, while the fourth fled and entered the dam. A search was launched immediately and continued for four days.
On Monday, 31 August, rangers searching the dam reported seeing what appeared to be human remains.
SAPS and other relevant authorities were called to the scene, and the body was subsequently retrieved.
FISHING IS NOT ALLOWED IN KRUGER
There is an important distinction when it comes to fishing in South Africa’s national parks.
Fishing is not an authorised recreational activity for visitors to the Kruger National Park.
SANParks’ official fishing information lists the national parks where fishing permits are available, and Kruger is not among them. The listed fishing destinations include parks such as Addo Elephant, Agulhas, Bontebok and West Coast.
This means visitors cannot simply head to one of Kruger’s rivers or dams with a rod or net.
According to the report, the suspects were allegedly using fishing nets in an area where the activity itself is not even authorised.
THREE SUSPECTS FACE CHARGES
The three people who surrendered were handed over to the South African Police Service and formally charged in connection with alleged illegal fishing activities in a protected area.
The identity of the man whose remains were recovered had not yet been confirmed when the incident was reported.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the discovery and said further details would be provided as the investigation continued.
The circumstances surrounding the man’s death have also not been established. It would therefore be premature to describe the death as a drowning or to draw conclusions about exactly what happened after he entered the dam.
KRUGER’S RULES ARE THERE FOR A REASON
Kruger’s rivers, dams and waterholes may look inviting, but they are part of a protected ecosystem.
The park’s rules and regulations are enforced under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act and its regulations.
Any transgressions potentially result in fines, as several other perpetrators have experienced in the past.
The Mestel Dam incident is a stark reminder that entering a protected area after dark for an unauthorised activity can carry consequences far beyond a possible criminal charge.
For visitors, the message is straightforward: Kruger’s wildlife and natural resources are protected, and fishing is not one of the activities visitors are permitted to undertake in the park.