Animal carcasses and crime: Macassar residents call for municipal intervention

Residents in Macassar say they have been appealing for months for the municipality to clear privately owned land, which has been used as a dumping site for animal carcasses, stolen car parts and has become a haven for crime.

The Cape Argus was sent graphic images of the carcasses, which appeared to either belong to cattle such as sheep or goats, including the heads and hooves of the animals.

Macassar Civic Association member and resident, Mark Baatjies, said he has appealed since January for the stretch of land located along a sand road in Sandvlei, Macassar, to be barricaded.

“This man-made sand road in Sandvlei Macassar has been used for illegal dumping of animal carcasses, illegal dumping of building and domestic rubble, criminal activities, prostitution, and dumping of bodies,” said Baatjies..

“In January the City assisted in clearing the field after I logged a complaint and they gave the owner a notice or warning to clear it.

“Our request is that they close off that road temporarily, to keep the public from dumping there."

Numerous calls were made to the owner, to no avail.

Ward councillor, Peter Helfrich, said he engaged with the owner to clean the premises and it has since been reported to the Environmental Health Department.

“When this matter was brought to my attention, I personally spoke with the owner and encouraged him to close off access points to the property.

"He has since closed one of the roads; however, residents have informed me that there are still other entrances being used by individuals who continue to dump animal carcasses illegally."

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus