A man was issued with a massive fine for illegal dumping in the east of Pretoria recently, thanks to the actions of a local private security company.
The man was caught offloading rubble next to the incomplete Villa Mall, on the corners of Delmas and De Villabois drive in Moreletapark, on Thursday 21 February.
“One of our armed response officers were on a routine patrol when he noticed a bakkie parked in the veld across from the mall,” said Bull security spokesperson French Jooste.
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“He immediately called for backup and drove in to investigate. Upon further investigation, he found a man who was busy unloading rubble from the bakkie.
“He confronted the driver, but clearly that fell on deaf ears as the man simply continued dumping his rubbish there.”
The LS4 community policing forum of Elardus Park was contacted. They in turn called the metro police, who responded swiftly.
“The driver was issued with a massive fine and had to load all the rubble back onto his bakkie.”
Illegal dumping has cost the Tshwane municipality more than R12-million in the current financial year to clear out and rehabilitate some of the sites.
During the 2017/18 financial year, the city spent R67 million on clearing illegal dumping sites.
The metro’s agriculture and environmental management department has identified more than 600 illegal dumping spots citywide.
Most of these illegal dumping spots are prevalent in informal settlements, road reserves and nearby open spaces of main arterial roads, townships, urban and suburban areas.
Jooste said security companies were also responsible for helping to fight any illegal activities.
ALSO READ: Illegal dumping in the East ongoing in 2018
He said dumping could also contribute to other criminal activities as criminals may use illegal dumping sites as hiding places.
“We will continue to fight such illegal activities in the city,” he said
“Many such initiatives will be held.”
Bull security’s response team has been on high alert for illegal dumping in the area, he said.
The city also urged the community to be extra vigilant with illegal dumpers and report them to the City’s Call Centre number on 012-358-9999.
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