Two companies found burning waste during a walkabout at Power Park, in Soweto, on Tuesday, could be slapped with fines, penalties and or face possible criminal prosecution.
The companies were caught red handed by Ewan Botha, the MEC of Environment in Gauteng, and stakeholders- the Gauteng Department of Environment, in partnership with the City of Johannesburg.
They were all part of an environmental enforcement blitz, which responded to community complaints about illegal waste operations in the area.
A walkabout later uncovered waste sorting and burning.
Botha said fines, penalties and possible criminal prosecution are under consideration for the companies.
Authorities also detained a truck among enforcement activities, that day.
“Burning waste is not just an environmental problem. It poses risks to community health” he said.
Picture: Supplied