- Body of illegal fisher retrieved from Toronto Pan almost two weeks later
- Two men were busy fishing in the pan when they were chased by security personnel
- About 150 fish, one weighing about 10 kg, were found in the nets
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The body of a man believed to have been cast net fishing illegally in Toronto Pan, Welkom, was retrieved on Saturday evening (24/06), a little more than a week after he had gone missing.
On 13 June, two men were busy fishing in the pan when they were chased by security personnel.
“They apparently tried to swim across the pan. One man got away, and the other drowned. The incident was reported and the police’s diving unit was summoned to search for the body, but did not find anything,” says Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer for the Lejweleputswa police.
Then, on Saturday, the body was sighted floating in the pan. The diving unit was again summoned to retrieve it.
No one has come forward to claim the deceased and a case of inquest has been registered for further investigation.
Supt Bokvel Pietersen of Matjhabeng’s bylaw enforcement team confirmed the incident.
“On Saturday evening the body of the unknown fisherman was retrieved by the diving unit. It is believed that he was doing illegal net fishing when he drowned,” he said
Pietersen says the assistance and support of the Bonanza Fishing Club and the neighbourhood watch was invaluable in the search and retrieval of the body.
The nets that were being used by the two illegal fishermen were retrieved on 15/6. A local fisherman told Vista that about 150 fish, one weighing about 10 kg, were found in the nets.
Should anyone have information to help trace the relatives of the deceased, they are requested to contact Det. WO Riaan de Lange of Welkom’s Serious and Violent Crimes unit at 082-821-9227, or the Crime Stop number: 08600-10111.
