Oranjeville: The members of Oranjeville SAPS together with nearby farm owners and community members held an initiative in celebration of Mandela Day by removing illegal fish nets placed in the dams on Sunday 18 July 2021.

These members embarked on an operation in conjunction with the farmers surrounding Oranjeville ensuring that illegal fishing does not take place. The farmers in this area had always complained that there are some of the community members who would gain entry at their farms without permission in order to reach the Vaal dam which flows through from the Vaal into Oranjeville.

According to Const Sello Mafale the farmers took out their boats and navigated around the dam with the assistance of police to remove the fishing nets that were placed. Upon search they discovered nets within the depth of 2.5 km into the water. As a result 1 300 fishes that had been trapped were released to swim freely.

Ms Debbie Odendaal who is a representative of other farmers commended the good work done by Const Mafale, Const Lesego Bodigelo and community members namely, Mr Paul Mashele and Mr Tshepo Mncube who took time from their busy schedules to assist in the fight against illegal fishing in the area. She further stated that she hopes that this initiative does not stop after Mandela Day but anticipates it to be an ongoing operation.

Source: South African Police Service