Residents demand more action from MMC, JMPD, and CoJ on Kya Sands illegal dumping

Keith Elliott, representing The Kya Sand Burning Wasteland Community Forum Non-Profit Company, has expressed dissatisfaction with the efforts made by the office of MMC for Public Safety, Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku, and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) regarding the illegal dumping activities in Kya Sands.

Elliott has taken a strong stance against this ongoing issue, even taking the city to court over this issue that impacts the lives of many residents in parts of the Randburg and Fourways areas.

Read more: President’s intervention sought as Kya Sands illegal dumping crisis deepens

Tshwaku initiated an undercover operation earlier this month, in collaboration with the JMPD.

This after one of the residents, Andre de Bruyn, approached Tshwaku’s office for desperate intervention.

The operation uncovered a troubling scenario: Trucks, some barely roadworthy, were caught in action transporting and dumping waste illegally at the site.

On October 16, during another targeted inspection of known dumping hotspots in the area, Tshwaku, together with JMPD officers, caught two vehicles engaged in illegal dumping activities.

Also read: Court orders CoJ to address Kya Sands’ toxic air

Both vehicles were promptly seized, and their owners were instructed to contact the Public Safety Department to explain their actions, this according to JMPD’s Xolani Fihla.

“To address the ongoing problem of by-law transgressions, the JMPD will deploy dedicated units to conduct regular patrols and inspections throughout the city. These teams will take appropriate enforcement action when necessary, this includes issuing citations and impoundments,” said Fihla.

But Elliot says this is not enough. He said he appreciates the efforts of the MMC, but unfortunately, they are not going to solve the problem.

“Firstly, he is only focusing on one of the dumps, and in spite of his visits and the isolated enforcement operations, as soon as he leaves, and JMPD stops enforcing, the dumping and burning continues. The other nine identified dumps have not been addressed, and these are also by-law violations.”

Elliot acknowledged that the MMC with JMPD alone cannot solve the problem. He said they need to come together with PikiTup, SAPS, Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and CoJ, especially the Environment and Infrastrucure Services Department, and establish a co-ordinated and sustained project.

“The dumping and burning at all sites must be stopped. The sites need to be cleared and ongoing enforcement must be implemented to prevent the illegal waste industry from starting up again. I can confirm, without any fear of contradiction, that the illegal activities of dumping and burning of waste continues unabated,” said Elliot.

Tshwaku confirmed that the site was officially shut down by the city several years ago. Despite this, trucks continue to arrive and illegally dump waste at the location.

“Nobody is allowed to dump waste here because this landfill was closed by the city. So, we are going to enforce these by-laws, as we have said,” said Tshwaku.

The Kya Sand Burning Wasteland Community Forum Non-Profit Company won its first court appearance when the Johannesburg High Court ordered the city to conduct comprehensive air quality testing at its own costs. The results are expected to be presented by or before April 30, 2025.

Fihla urged all residents, businesses, and community organizations to familiarize themselves with the city’s by-laws and to play a responsible role in maintaining a clean and safe environment.

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Related article: CoJ hauled to court for ignoring Kya Sand’s illegal dumping crisis