It began after the South African Police Service posted the success story on Facebook of an illegal fishing foil.
Users said cops were wrong for arresting the ten men citing reasons that fish do not have an owner and that the men were trying to make a living.
The eMalahleni police in Mpumalanga arrested the ten men late on Friday for two vans full of fish worth R4-million after receiving information about the operation of the men.
The men who are between 29 and 40 years transported the fish in bags and were nabbed when they were on their way to the buyer.
“They will appear before the Vosman Magistrates Court on Monday. The value of the fish is estimated at R4-million,” cops said.
But Facebook users didn’t like the story.
“Leave those people alone, fish does not belong to anybody,” – Vusani Mamafha.
“If it’s illegal fishing who is the owner of those fish?” – Beekay Mdlela.
“You cannot blame them there is no job here in South Africa,” – Sandiso Seidar.
“People are being killed for cars in hijackings and [you make this
illegal fishing] your priority gu?” – Rock Kense.
But other users had a different view. “This is a serious offence ifthe value can be estimated at R4m that’s serious. Give them no bail,they are dangerous criminals,” Mlungisi Gumede said.
The ten men are charged with illegal fishing and expected to makefirst court appearance today.
(edited by MM)
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