A joint operation involving Gauteng Environmental MEC, EMPD, SAPS, Sentinel Security, Gauteng Environmental officials, CPS and other government departments was carried out on July 13 at Potgieter and Bosworth streets near the Cliffys large veld.

The operation resulted from ongoing complaints from residents about illegal dumping, tyre burning, illegal recycling and environmental pollution.

This also formed part of an ongoing investigation into thick black smoke regularly seen in the area, believed to be caused by the burning of scrap tyres to recover steel for resale.

Environmental concerns under investigation

Speaking during the operation, Gauteng MEC for Environment Ewan Botha said the department had been investigating environmental crimes at the site for some time after receiving numerous complaints from nearby communities.

“We have been receiving many complaints about illegal dumping, burning and other environmental crimes taking place on this property. Although we did not find active illegal activity today, we believe many operations are compromised because people are tipped off before officials arrive,” said Botha.

Botha also added that the department would compile a full report and engage the relevant national government department responsible for the land to address the situation through intergovernmental cooperation.

Illegal tyre burning remains a concern

Residents from Alberton North, Randhart and surrounding areas have repeatedly reported thick black smoke rising from the site, particularly during the evenings.

According to Sentinel Security, scrap tyres are allegedly brought to the property during the day before being burned between 17:00 and 19:00 to extract the steel for sale as scrap metal.

Authorities believe this illegal activity contributes significantly to air pollution and poses health risks to surrounding communities.

Visibility operations showing results

Sentinel Security was deployed to assist with the safety of officials during the operation.

Loris Barbera from Sentinel Security said similar operations conducted late last year have already made an impact.

“We conducted a similar operation around November and December last year after receiving the same complaints about illegal squatters, illegal recycling and environmental issues. We can clearly see that the illegal activity has reduced significantly. I believe the consistent visibility by law enforcement and environmental officials has helped reduce these activities,” said Lawrence.

@albertonrecord

A joint operation involving Gauteng Environmental MEC, EMPD, SAPS, Sentinel Security, Gauteng Environmental officials, CPS and other government departments was carried out on July 13 at Potgieter and Bosworth streets near the Cliffys large veld. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za

♬ original sound – Alberton Record

He explained that Sentinel Security’s role was to protect officials and ensure the operation was conducted safely.

“Our responsibility is to ensure the safety of the MEC, government officials and everyone involved while they carry out their inspections. We did not find drugs or other illegal items during today’s operation, but the main objective was for environmental authorities to inspect the site and assess the situation.

“Residents send us pictures of a huge black cloud and think there is a factory on fire. When we respond, we find tyres being burned to recover the steel inside them. This is one of the biggest complaints we receive from the community,” he said.

Building a long-term solution

MEC said government is looking beyond enforcement by encouraging residents and businesses to participate in the formal waste economy.

He said waste should be viewed as an economic opportunity rather than simply a problem, encouraging greater investment in recycling, buy-back centres and integrated waste management facilities.

The investigation into activities at the site will continue while authorities determine what further enforcement and environmental compliance measures may be required.

ALSO READ: Sentinel Security joins EMPD in clearing illegal squatter camp near Eskom power station