Tanzanian Government Wins Over Sh1 Billion Fishing Nets Lawsuit

The Tanzanian government won a lawsuit against businesswoman Shenaz Halari, who sought over Sh1 billion for the seizure of fishing nets worth Sh422.9 million. The court ruled that Halari could not prove ownership of the nets, which were linked to illegal importation and belonged to Imara Fish Net Company. The case dismissal emphasizes compliance with fishing regulations and legal trade practices.

The Tanzanian government successfully defended a lawsuit filed by businesswoman Shenaz Halari, who sought over Sh1 billion following the seizure of fishing nets worth Sh422.9 million. The case, decided on February 14, 2025, by Judge Arnold Kirekiano, included the Attorney General as a co-defendant. Halari claimed that armed fisheries officers unlawfully entered her premises and confiscated 146 bags of nets in 2017, alleging this action violated her rights.

Halari sought compensation for her seized assets, including Sh515.8 million in interest and Sh100 million in damages. However, the government representatives argued that the nets had been unlawfully imported by Imara Fish Net Company, which Halari was linked to, exceeding a legal size of three inches for fishing nets. The government also cited pending criminal charges against Halari related to possession of illegal fishing equipment.

During the court case, Halari presented her testimony, asserting that fisheries officers carried out a raid on her warehouse. Although she maintained that the charges against her were dropped, she failed to substantiate her ownership of the nets definitively. The nets had been held at Chang’ombe Police Station after the seizure, valued between Sh400 million and Sh500 million.

The defense team, composed of State Attorneys, brought forward four witnesses who testified that the seized nets were indeed below the legal size limit and that Halari was not registered as a trader. Judge Kirekiano concluded that while the defendants had recognized authority to enforce fishing laws, Halari bore the responsibility to prove her claims regarding ownership.

Ultimately, the court found against Halari, dismissing the lawsuit on the grounds that she had not established her ownership of the nets, which were determined to belong to Imara Fish Net Company. As a result, the judge ruled that the seizure was lawful and instructed Halari to bear the legal costs associated with the case.

The Tanzanian government successfully defended a significant lawsuit regarding unlawfully seized fishing nets, establishing that the claimant lacked legitimate ownership of the nets and failed to comply with legal standards. The ruling reinforces the importance of adhering to regulations in the fishing industry and resolves questions around legal trade practices. Halari’s case underscores the necessity for business owners to maintain proper documentation and registration in their operations.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz