The City of Cape Town is taking the fight against illegal dumping to the next level by offering the public rewards for information on those responsible for unlawfully dumping waste.

According to Executive Mayor, Patricia De Lille, illegal dumping hinders the municipality’s ability to deliver services and costs a staggering R350 million a year.

The informant reward policy

The informant reward policy allows for payments of up to R1 000 for information leading to an arrest or fine being issued for illegal dumping.

Informants would be required to submit as much evidence as possible, including sworn affidavits, photographs or video footage as well as clear identification of vehicles and/or persons involved.

Witnesses are only required to testify in court where the suspects contest the matter and opt for a trial instead of paying an admission of guilt fine.

Cape Town’s illegal dumping campaign

In an effort to curb the problem the municipality launched an illegal dumping campaign last month and various city departments are involved in enforcement efforts including Solid Waste Management through its by-law enforcement section, City Health, Metro Police, Cape Town Traffic Services and Law Enforcement.

“We have had some success in tracking down those responsible for illegally dumping garden and building refuse, but I believe that there are still far too many perpetrators who are getting away with it,” says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

“That is why we are highlighting our informant reward system to hopefully spur people on to speak up against this flagrant disregard for the law and the destruction of our environment,” Smith continues.

According to the Municipality there are more than 1 000 large dumping hotspots across the city – some are popular for the dumping of household waste, while others are commonly used for the dumping of building rubble.

In one of the most recent incidents, a man was caught red-handed, dumping thousands of tablets in Philippi.