Illegal Fishing: Court’s 6-day notice to prosecutors

Dar es Salaam. 

The Kisutu Resident Magistrates’ Court gave prosecution six days to present evidence in a case of illegal fishing facing two Chinese nationals Hsu Chin Tai and Zhao Hanquing.

Resident Magistrate Warialwande Lema reached the decision yesterday after prosecution failed to comply with an order given by the court to present all statements from witnesses which are necessary for the proceedings.

The duo, who are Captain and Agent of the foreign Vessel Twariq 2, are accused of illegal fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Tanzania.

They are charged with three counts of unlawful fishing activities in the EEZ, water pollution and degradation of marine environment.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has already filed information regarding the case at the High Court as required by the law.

After filling such information the prosecution is required to present before the lower court statements of the witnesses for the committal proceedings.

It was alleged that, between January 10 and March 8, 2009, jointly and together, the duo carried out fishing activities in the EEZ of Tanzania without licence.

Within the same period, according to the prosecution, both accused persons polluted the waters and degraded the marine environment of the Tanzania’s EEZ by throwing offal and other fish wastes in the waters.

It is alleged further that between March 8 and 11, 2009 at various places in Mombasa Kenya and Dar es Salaam Port in Temeke District, knowing that Tai carried out fishing activities in EEZ of Tanzania without license, Hanquing assisted him in order to enable him escape prosecution and punishment.

The case was adjourned to August 26 this year. 

Source: The Citizen Tanzania