A joint operation by the police, Namibian Defence Force (NDF), fisheries officials and conservancies has led to the seizure of fish caught illegally in the Zambezi Region valued at over N$92,000. 

The operation was conducted in the Mutwalwizi area on October 16 and November 5, 2025.
The confiscated fish stocks weighed 1,238 kilograms.
The operation was aimed at ensuring compliance among those conducting fishing activities along the rivers.

Police Spokesperson for the Zambezi Region, Chief Inspector Kisco Sitali, says, “The fish was caught using prohibited fishing gear such as shade nets, as you can see behind me, and also monofilament-type nets that are not supposed to be used within our rivers.”

Chief Inspector Sitali says the use of illegal fishing methods threatens the sustainability of fish species, of which some are already nearing extinction. 

“We have also observed that a number of foreign nationals have been flocking to this region, especially from neighbouring countries, to come and conduct illegal fishing activities, and also we have also observed that a number of Namibian citizens have been harbouring these foreigners to undertake these fishing activities; hence,we want to discourage our citizens from employing or harbouring these criminals so that they cannot continue depleting our fish stock.”

No arrest, however, has been made.
Authorities are yet to decide on what to do with the confiscated fish.