Environmental crimes a concern for Limpopo

The Limpopo Department of LEDET has made a plea with citizens in the province to respect the environment and abide by all laws prescribed within the sector.

Despite the current environmental crimes in Limpopo not having reached levels qualifying them as a Provincial Disaster, the department says the rate at which their Environmental Management Inspectors respond to ‘white-collar’ environmental crimes indicates prevalence in the following areas;

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Deforestation and the clearance of indigenous vegetation

 Illegal hunting

 Rhino Poaching

 Fish netting

 Illegal trade of protected species

 Game keeping without a permit

 Selling of venison without a permit

 Development sites

Illegal dumping of waste

Chemical spillage and environmental pollution

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“Environmental crimes are usually a result of a calculated business decision, either to make money or save money,” said department spokesperson Zaid Kalla.

“Such offenders are often educated and middle-class citizens. Crimes committed against the environment are mostly life-threatening and present a heavy financial burden on our Provincial government in the deployment of efforts aimed at remedying the situation.

“The Department, together with all our Municipalities, have a duty to enforce environmental compliance. This includes questioning of witnesses, issuing of fines and penalties, taking samples, conducting search and seizure operations, as well as arrests.”