The Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) says it is determined to take a stand against corruption and will continue to support the police in their efforts to investigate such conduct amongst its fisheries control officers.
The department made the remarks following the allegations of corruption amongst the department’s fisheries’ control officers who are mainly based in the Overberg region.
The allegations had resulted in the arrest of nine fisheries control officials by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks.
The department said that the arrest forms part of DAFF’s efforts in enhancing discipline and integrity amongst its workforce, by ensuring that reported allegations of corruption is dealt with through the relevant State systems.
“Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing, which abalone poaching is classified under, is a global challenge that threatens world food security and ecosystems, and South Africa is not exempted from this phenomenon,” the department said.
DAFF together with other law enforcement agencies through Operation Phakisa Oceans Economy initiative is dealing with IUU fishing.
“DAFF understands there is a need for organised international communities to work collaboratively in dealing with IUU fishing. As a result, DAFF has ensured that South Africa ratifies the United Nations’ FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization): Port State Measure agreement whose objective is to curb IUU fishing,” the department said.
The department also plays an integral role in enhancing collaborative efforts through relevant structures of Southern African Development Community and Interpol, in order to curb IUU fishing in the region. – SAnews.gov.za
