Poachers poison fish in Watson Dam, Karoi

Patience Muchemwa

Suspected fish poachers allegedly poisoned fish in Watson Dam, 3km from Hwata shops in Karoi.

Fish could be seen floating as a result of the unidentified substance used by the suspected poachers.

The case is being investigated by the Department of Veterinary Services and the Environmental Management Agency.

In an interview with Zim Now, Environmental Education and Publicity Manager for EMA, Amkela Sidange said: “The Agency takes note of reported fish deaths at Watson Dam which is suspected to have started on 12 September, 2023 as noted from accounts by community members.

“On inspection the Agency, in the company of the Veterinary department observed several dead fish on the shores of the dam.

“The Agency took water samples for testing at the Environmental Management Agency lab whereas the Veterinary department picked samples of dead fish for analysis.”

The public is advised to buy fish from registered and licensed butcheries and fishmongers.

Sidange added: “The community was advised against consuming the dead fish.

“Investigations are therefore ongoing and the public is warned against disposing hazardous substances in water bodies.

“According to Section 73 of the Environmental Management Act (Cap 20.27) as read with Statutory Instrument 10 of 2007 Section 3(1), it is a punishable offence to be found disposing hazardous substances in a water body. The Public should desist from doing this to protect the quality of water and the health of the public,” Sidange added.