A large number of fish has died after being poisoned by suspected fishermen in Chisengo and Mandalo areas of Chavuma District in Northwestern province.
Chavuma District Commissioner Lawrence Kayumba confirmed the development to ZANIS this morning.
Mr. Kayumba said an unidentified chemical was used to poison the fish that was found floating on water in Sub-Chief Lingoji’s area yesterday evening.
He regretted that most of the poisoned fish has already found its way on the market, a situation he said endangers the lives of the residents of Chavuma.
Mr. Kayumba has strongly appealed to people in the district not to buy any fresh fish on the market until thorough investigations are done by both the police and Ministry of Agriculture.
He added that the effect the poison would have on human beings who could consume the poisoned fish is not yet established and advised those that have already purchased fresh fish from the market today to discard it.
The District Commissioner has further warned that the law will be applied on all those found guilty of poisoning the fish.
And Sub Chief Lingoji Sakayombo complained to Mr. Kayumba that people in the area have continued to use bad fishing methods despite warning them on several occasions.
The Sub Chief was speaking soon after reporting the matter to the police.
Police in the district have been instructed to question and interrogate those trading in fresh fish in a bid to identify the poisoned fish.
Poisoned fish being eaten with Nshima from contaminated fertiliser bags. What are the odds of surviving. Better to go down hungry. Sad. God bless them. God bless Zambia
sad developent
sad development
Watchout! These are the same fishing methods that were been used in Luapula and Northern provinces. Seems the same people are now going to the other provinces to cause havoc. Watchout for these environmental terrorists! Chitemene should never be used as a fishing method! It is destructive!
when u begining see such just know dat de end near ,may GOD forgive them for what they done. sade story!