The City of Cape Town has implemented new measures to curb illegal dumping after a recent meeting by the City’s Safety and Security Portfolio Committee reviewed the latest ‘quarterly report on the Directorate’s performance’.
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Throughout the period of July to December 2023, 7 778 fines were issued by the City’s traffic service, law enforcement and metro police departments for illegal dumping, according to a press statement released on Friday, 8 March 2024.
In addition, the law enforcement department impounded 68 vehicles that were used in ‘the act of illegal dumping’.
The current fine for illegal dumping is R5 000 as well as ‘the likelihood of the vehicle being impounded’.
On top of the fine, the driver or owner will have to pay R8 700 to have the vehicle released. Repeated offences will raise the fine up to R17 400.
‘Illegal dumping is a serious offence, but also a selfish act, because it shows a complete disregard for the rights, health and wellbeing of others, and future generations,’ said Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe, chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee.
‘We also request assistance from our residents to blow the whistle on illegal dumping. This, like many other enforcement priorities, is a shared responsibility, so if you see something, say something,’ Nqavashe added.
Law enforcement officers are currently monitoring illegal dumping hot spots as part of scheduled patrols but will also ‘act on information received’.
Illegal dumping can be reported to the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre by calling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.
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