The case of unlawful disposal of waste and committing an act that is likely to cause significant pollution against the JB Marks Local Municipality has been postponed to 30 January 2025 by the District Court of the North West sitting in Klerksdorp.
The charges have been leveled against Municipal Manager Kgomotso Kumbe, as the National Prosecuting Authority argues that in September 2019 and April 2020 the municipality permitted the disposal of sewage waste near Samuel Avenue in Promosa, Potchefstroom.
The NPA said the waste was dumped via a pipe trench on the environment and into the Poortjies Dam which severely impacted the community.
Senior State Advocate Benny Kalakgosi argued in court that the municipality’s actions violated Section 24 of the Constitution which stipulates that everyone has a right to an environment that is not harmful to their health.
Kalakgosi also told the court that the accused failed to take reasonable steps to prevent pollution of the environment.
The NPA stressed that it is committed to ensuring that the human rights relating to a clean environment are preserved, and that it’ll hold the municipality accountable for its actions.