One in court over Sh400m illicit fishing gear

Dar es Salaam. Businesswoman Shenaz Halari was yesterday charged at the Kisutu Resident Magistrates’ Court with two counts of storing prohibited fishing gear worth over Sh400 million. Ms Shenaz, who is an Indian national, appeared before Resident Magistrate Respicius Mwijage and was charged, but pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on bail. The prosecution, led by State Attorney Nassor Katuga assisted by Mossie Kaima alleged that, the accused was found on February 21 in Chamazi Msufini in Temeke District, storing 106 bags, containing 6,042 pieces of fishing nets of mesh size less than three inches worth Sh422,940,000. The accused, the prosecution further alleged, was found on the same day and place storing eight bags containing eight pieces of beach seine nets worth Sh4,800,000. According to the public prosecutor, the nets are prohibited for storage and use in Tanzania.