While government says over-fishing is dangerous and impacting negatively on protection of hundreds of fish species in Lake Malawi, fishermen argue that the ban disrupts livelihoods.

Meanwhile, fisheries authorities on Likoma Island are engaging the police to enforce the law after the deadline but business operators insist the ban is impinging on peoples’ economic livelihood.

But government has sustained the ban saying it is in line with the fishing regulations guiding protection of fish species in the Africa’s number one lake.

Meanwhile our reporter in Balaka, Moses Masiya, says a second grade magistrate court has granted bail to two Health Surveillance Assistants arrested for alleged theft of 200 public mosquito nets.

Balaka Second Grade Magistrate, Victor Sibu, has since released on bail Rodney Kamaliza, 26, and 40-year-old Acklen Mdoka.

The two were ordered to pay K20,000.00 cash bail bond and were ordered to report to Balaka Police Station every after two weeks.

The two have been charged with theft by public servant.

Chikumbutso Malinga, Clinician-in-Charge for Kwitanda Health Center reported the two to police after members of the community intercepted bicycle taxi operators who were reportedly hired to deliver the nets to the HSA's homes.