Illegal waste facility shut down in Vereeniging as 10 arrested in compliance blitz

GAUTENG - A compliance blitz in Vereeniging, Gauteng, has led to the closure of an illegal waste facility and the arrest of 10 undocumented foreign nationals, including the facility owner.

The operation, which took place this week in the Emfuleni Local Municipality, was a joint effort involving the provincial environment department, Home Affairs, Labour, SAPS and other stakeholders.

The multi-disciplinary team, led by Gauteng Environment MEC Ewan Botha, found the facility operating without a proper waste management licence, a violation of the National Environmental Management Waste Act.

In a statement, the provincial environment department said that despite previous fines and warnings, the operator continued to run the site. This prompted MEC Botha to shut it down on the spot.

During the raid, officials also uncovered unsafe and exploitative working conditions. Labour inspectors confirmed that the site was in breach of occupational health and safety laws.

Two other facilities were also inspected: one was found to be partially compliant and will be closely monitored, while the other met all legal requirements.

Ten people were taken into custody after failing to produce valid identification documents.