For the second time this year, the eThekwini Municipality has been accused of dumping waste in the Mount Moreland Conservancy.

Last month, sitting eThekwini ActionSA PR councillor Saul Basckin opened a criminal case following an incident on the morning of October 10, after Mount Moreland residents reported black refuse bags lying along the D757 road near the entrance to the conservancy on the M27.

Basckin believes the bags were dumped by municipal contractors working nearby.

A similar incident occurred in January, when a video captured workers loading black bags into a municipal-branded vehicle following a confrontation with a passing motorist. An internal eThekwini investigation at the time found no wrongdoing.

“It’s important to deal with the situation and take action. We cannot do nothing,” said Basckin.

“The Municipal Systems Act requires oversight and there’s a responsibility of duty and care, even with contractors – this makes the municipality complicit.”

In addition to lodging a case with Durban North Saps, Basckin confirmed the matter had been reported to environmental management inspectors, commonly known as the Green Scorpions.

He further accused the municipality of disregarding environmental and public health standards, saying the waste could contaminate soil and groundwater, posing long-term risks to residents and wildlife.

“ActionSA demands full accountability, transparency and an immediate end to these unlawful and dangerous practices,” said Basckin.

Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said the municipality was unaware of the latest allegations until contacted by the Courier.

“At this stage, the department has not received any formal report or specific details regarding the vehicle allegedly involved,” said Sisilana.

She dismissed Basckin’s account of the previous incident as “inaccurate, misleading, unfounded,” and a case of misinformation.

“The city followed due process in investigating the matter and found no evidence of misconduct.”

Sisilana said the municipality remains committed to upholding environmental standards and ensuring sanitation operations comply with regulatory requirements.

“We urge members of the public, political parties and media to report any suspicious activities with as much detail as possible to assist in prompt and effective investigations.”

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