THE eThekwini Metro Police have issued a R5 000 fine to the well-known food franchise, McDonald’s, on KE Masinga Road for illegal dumping.
The fine is in line with the City’s Nuisances and Behaviour in Public Places By-law which clearly states that illegal dumping is an offence and is prohibited in areas that fall within the eThekwini Municipal boundaries.

Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu said they had received numerous complaints regarding refuse bags that would ‘pop up’ on the pavement near the establishment.
“We investigated and found that the packaging inside the bags was from the McDonald’s establishment. The culprit was caught red-handed after we received a tip-off that the establishment was illegally dumping refuse bags on the side of the road,” he said.

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The swift action by Metro Police officers led to the fining of the establishment’s manager.
Zungu said he hoped that this recent enforcement action would send a strong message to other businesses that the City showed no fear or favour when it comes to fining illegal dumpers.
According to a statement released by the City, this is just one example of a number of fines that the City has issued to businesses and popular establishments since intensifying its fight against this scourge.

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“Littering and illegal dumping does not only hamper the City’s efforts at improving cleanliness in the city, but it also has devastating impacts on the environment because the trash clogs up our stormwater drains and gets washed into our rivers and oceans which poses serious danger to marine life. Clogged stormwater drains also lead to localised flooding, endangering the lives of our residents and visitors. In our efforts to maintain a clean and sustainable city, we urge residents, businesses and visitors to join us in the fight against illegal dumping by reporting it to the Cleansing and Solid Waste Department on 031 311 8804. We also call upon residents to stop dumping illegally or face the full might of the law,” said the municipality in their statement.

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