A stretch of Long Road in Northcliff Ext 20 – recently thrust into the spotlight by the publication over escalating illegal dumping – has now drawn a formal response from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), with officials confirming enforcement action is underway.

The development follows mounting frustration from residents, who flagged the area as a growing eyesore and health risk. Community members described a steady build-up of rubble, household waste, and garden refuse, warning that the situation was deteriorating in the absence of visible enforcement.

Read more: Little visibility on Long Road adds to dumping crisis in Northcliff

JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla has acknowledged that authorities were not previously aware of the dumping at this specific site, until residents formally lodged a complaint. “Following an inspection, JMPD has confirmed the presence of illegal dumping.”

The department is appealing to the public to play a more active role in identifying offenders. Residents are being urged to document incidents and, where possible, provide details that could assist in prosecutions. “To facilitate swift enforcement, we encourage residents to provide photographs and addresses of perpetrators. Offenders will be issued fines and required to clear the dumped material themselves.”

In a bid to restore order, JMPD has committed to ramping up patrols in the area. The enforcement drive will be coupled with clean-up operations, in partnership with Pikitup, targeting the affected parkland and roadside. Authorities have issued a clear warning: Those caught dumping illegally will face immediate penalties, including fines and compulsory clean-up. Repeat offenders risk harsher legal consequences.

Also read: Northcliff dumping crisis spirals as Long Road hotspot exposes enforcement failures

The issue is also set to feature prominently in upcoming Community Policing Forum meetings, where officials intend to outline enforcement strategies and educate residents on the legal ramifications of illegal dumping.
Despite the renewed focus, JMPD has cautioned that resource constraints limit its ability to maintain a constant presence at a single hotspot. “The by-law management unit cannot maintain a 24-hour presence at one site. However, co-ordination with Pikitup remains a priority to sustain cleanliness.”

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