OUTCRY OVER CARCASSES DUMPED NEAR RESIDENTIAL AREA
Animal carcasses littered an open area near Newvale last Thursday, to the disgust of residents.
The carcasses of piglets and chickens were dumped by a local business, KDC Trading.
Mlungisi Farmers’ Association chairman Zola Magoqoza said of major concern was that animals grazed in the area.
“What we saw was disgusting. We do not know what killed the animals. It might be a disease that could affect our livestock. It was irresponsible of KDC to allow the disposal of dead animals near where people live.
“Children play there and could view the carcasses as free meat. On Friday morning we reported the matter to the district municipality and were told they would act.”
Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) spokesperson Thobeka Mqamelo said the municipality had designated sites for the disposal of carcasses and were investigating the illegal dumping of the animals.
“In certain cases, the department of rural development and agrarian reform assists, allowing the use of their incinerators when arrangements are made. CHDM’s by-laws at this stage are being gazetted before they can be enforceable. There are regulations that state-registered environmental health practitioners may condemn food that is deemed unfit for human consumption and it must destroyed in an appropriate manner.
“The district municipality has not yet taken steps as we are seeking evidence to identify the company. We appeal to people to promptly report illegal dumping in residential areas so that action can be taken.”
Gerrie Coetzer of KDC Trading said the company heard about the incident at about 4.30pm on Thursday and had removed the carcasses and cleaned the area before 8am the next day.
“We were not aware that our staff member, a new driver, would act in this manner as it is not in line with company protocol, which is very clear. The person responsible was not instructed to do that and was given a written warning.”
He said the business usually burned and buried the remains on its premises “hence it came as a surprise to us when we received the complaint.
“It was unfortunate, but the company rectified it the moment we became aware of it. We apologise and hope no humans or animals were harmed. We will ensure this does not happen again.”