Process to close east crime den has began

The process towards obtaining the closure permit for the Garskloof landfill site, which has been a haven for thieves and a headache for ratepayers, has started.

This is according to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, who said that it was a lengthy process.

The supposed crime hotspot situated behind a filling station and adjacent to the “ghost mall” on R50 Delmas Road east of Pretoria has become a plague for ratepayers.

Garskloof was decommissioned in 2013 after it reached its maximum carry capacity, and in 2017 heaps of compost started smouldering, emitting a plume of smoke that blanketed the neighbouring suburbs.

The metro last year said they have plans to turn the site into an entertainment hub that will be free from crime.

The landfill has been a den for criminals and a home to informal recyclers.

The landfill site has now attracted land invaders and often items stolen in the nearby suburbs are kept at the site.

The metro last year said they are looking into plans to redevelop the site.

The metro stated that the site is in the final stages of decommissioning with the end-use date yet to be announced and dependent on the lengthy process of obtaining a closure permit.

It was however believed that the land would be developed for recreational purposes such as a golf course, nature park and walking or biking trail for public use.

The metro was aware of the destitute people residing on the land and said the landfill permit does not allow people to reside inside the facility.

The landfill has a locked gate and a small double-storey building that houses unarmed security guards.

However, even with the presence of security, the landfill has allegedly been a haven for criminals since 2018.

It is believed that the criminals have bypassed the security measures at the entrance to gain entry to the landfill and then roam the vast area of land freely.

Mashigo said the relief the community needed was the implementation of the approved end-of-use plan for the site, which is dependent on the closure permit being issued.

“Once the closure plans are approved, alternative use of the property will be defined.”

Mashigo said the metro is closely monitoring the site regularly and a land invasion team established to address incidences of a similar nature is managing incidences that arise on the site.

He said the redevelopment of the Garstkloof landfill site will be guided by the approval of the end-of-use plan, which will be contained in the closure permit.

As part of the preliminary plans, various activities are proposed after closure including using the site as a rubble crushing plant or waste recycling plant.

However, Mashigo could not provide a timeline for this development as it is dependent on the issuing of the closure permit.

“Resources required to implement developments are not yet known, they will be determined once the closure permit is issued and the approved end-of-use plan is known.”

Shawn Fouché of the local CPF confirmed there was a crime problem at the site.

She said various measures have been implemented to address the issues surrounding the landfill site.

“LS4CPSF community patrols have been organised to monitor the perimeter due to safety concerns, with a total of five co-ordinated operations, by Lyttelton police, various securities, LS4CPSF and GCPFS4A patrollers having been conducted within the site.

Additionally, LS4 community policing sub-forum-led fact-finding missions are ongoing, providing valuable insights and facilitating continuous reporting of incidents in the area. These collaborative efforts aim to mitigate the impact on the community and promote a safer environment for all.”

She said the organisations have bolstered community engagement, enhancing surveillance efforts, and fostering partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

“We aim to curb unlawful activities and safeguard the integrity of the site. Along with regular intervention operations.”

She said in terms of long-term plans for the site’s development, there is considerable interest from developers in transforming the area into recreational amenities such as hiking trails, bike tracks, and a paintball course.

“These ideas align with the goal of rehabilitating the land and integrating it into the surrounding nature reserve.”

She said however, it is essential that these aspirations are still at the conceptual stage so require extensive planning and collaboration among various parties to ensure their feasibility and alignment with community needs and environmental considerations.

Fouché said regular engagement with the relevant authorities, including Tshwane, is essential for fostering understanding, addressing concerns, and collectively working towards solutions that benefit the community.

On May 7, private security company Bull arrested a suspect near the site.

The company said around 02:55 it received an alarm signal from the filling station behind the Garskloof landfill site.

Bull security said multiple units responded swiftly.

“Upon arrival, officers noted a suspect running with car wash equipment into the landfill site.”

Bull said a chase on foot ensued, and after a long chase, officers managed to detain the suspect.

“The suspect was taken back to the filling station where it was discovered he had broken into the car wash office at the filling station.”

All stolen goods were recovered, and the suspect was handed over to Lyttleton police.

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