 | Paarl resident gets hefty fine and suspended jail sentence for illegal dumping
28 January 2025 | Press Releases |
28 January 2025Drakenstein Municipality is serious about dealing with those making themselves guilty of illegal dumping in its municipal area (covering Paarl, Wellington, Mbekweni, Gouda, Saron, Hermon and Simondium in the Western Cape). This is the harsh lesson that one such resident recently learnt.
The man, who owns an erf in Meaker Street in New Orleans, Paarl, appeared in the Municipal Court on a charge that he - between 1 January and 30 April 2024 - intentionally, unlawfully and negligently allowed Erf 25477 to become overgrown by bushes, weeds and grass without the prior consent of the Municipality. In December, the accused was handed a fine of R5 000 and three months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on the provision that he does not commit the same offence.
The magistrate also instructed the Paarl resident to install a gate, heighten the newly erected wall around the erf and to keep the property clean and neat. The Municipality will regularly inspect the property to ensure that the guilty party obeys the court ruling.
Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality, says this case is a striking example of the great collaboration between the different departments of the Municipality.
“This judgment is also irrefutable proof that our Municipal Court is functional and effective, and makes a huge contribution in ensuring that residents obey our bylaws. The outcome is without a doubt the result of continuous pressure and good collaboration from all the departments involved.
“The Municipality wants to ensure that law and order is kept in Drakenstein and that we eliminate any eyesores that could detract from our beautiful area – for our residents, business owners, as well as our tourists.”
The illegal dumping of waste took place for years on the erf in New Orleans in Paarl and was a cause for annoyance for people living in the area. Drakenstein Municipality’s Investment Area Management section (responsible for service delivery aspects that affect businesses) has noticed the dumping several times over the past three years during site inspections and reported it to the Municipality’s Solid Waste Management division for action.
The erf was not fenced off which made it easy for dumping to take place there. With the help of the Municipality’s Law Enforcement division the owner was traced and requested to erect a fence around the erf. After ignoring these requests for a long time, he was eventually charged to appear in the Municipal Court where he recently learnt his fate.
The Municipality urges members of the public to report illegal dumping in Drakenstein by calling 080 131 3553 toll free (all hours).
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
For media enquiries, contact: Riana Geldenhuys, Manager: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality, on 021 807 6390, 082 460 5554 or rianag@drakenstein.gov.za.
