The Department of Environmental Affairs has confirmed that the Green Scorpions executed a search warrant at the Solid Waste Technologies’ City Deep processing facility.

The search warrant, which was executed on Monday, followed an inspection conducted by waste specialists from the department last week.

Last week, the waste specialists noted serious concerns in relation to the manner in which anatomical and infectious waste were being stored.

“It was found that tonnes of healthcare risk waste [medical waste] was not being treated and/or stored properly, which is in contravention of the conditions of the waste management licence that was issued to Solid Waste Technologies,” the department said.

On Monday, the investigation and execution of the search warrant further uncovered serious violations of the Waste Act by some of the major healthcare groups whose waste is being stored at the facility.

Criminal charges against the healthcare groups are also being investigated, as the ultimate legal responsibility lies with the waste generators to ensure that the waste is treated and disposed of correctly.

“This criminal investigation further emphasises the Green Scorpions’ zero tolerance approach to unlawful activities as far as health care risk waste is concerned,” department spokesperson Albi Modise said.