The police have issued a stern warning against illegal fishing by both foreign and Namibian nationals following the arrest of five suspects.

The suspects were arrested for allegedly engaging in illegal fishing in Lianshulu, in the Zambezi Region.

The station commander of Katima Mulilo police, Chief Inspector Charles Mayumbelo, spoke to the nbc News team about the incident.

Among the suspects are four Zambians who are believed to have been employed by a Namibian citizen to fish on her behalf, and a driver who is also believed to be a Namibian citizen.

Mayumbelo appealed to residents to obtain fishing permits if they intend to fish and emphasised that those engaged in fishing should be Namibian citizens and not foreigners without work permits.

He also advised local authorities to be more vigilant in monitoring and preventing such crimes within their respective areas.

Although the value of the fish has not been determined, Mayumbelo believes the fish was being transported to Zambia and headed to Kasumbalesa, a town in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.