Investigation launched after destruction of protected yellowwood trees in Somerset West

The destruction of nine protected yellowwood trees and escalating complaints of antisocial behaviour at Stella Street Park in Somerset West have prompted an investigation involving police and provincial environmental authorities.

Residents of Stella Street, supported by a nearby homeowners’ association, raised concerns about repeated disturbances and environmental damage at the park, which borders a local high school and forms part of an urban forest area.

The matter escalated shortly before Christmas when nine yellowwood trees, a protected indigenous species were discovered chopped down, with several others damaged. The destruction of yellowwood trees constitutes a breach of national environmental legislation.

Ward 15 councillor Gregory Peck said the affected area includes a cycle track established for school use.

“The area is an urban forest where a cycle track was established for the children of a local school,” Peck said. “Unfortunately, there was a group of teenagers, not linked to the school, who were riding e-bikes on the track and were asked to leave as they were causing all kinds of problems.”

Peck said the trees were discovered damaged shortly afterwards and an axe was found nearby.

“Shortly after that, the trees were found damaged and we found a very large axe in the vicinity,” he said.

While the teenagers were regarded as prime suspects, Peck stressed that their identities have not been confirmed.

“Police aren’t continuing with a criminal investigation but are assisting us to track the people responsible,” he said. “There were no fingerprints on the axe, so it didn’t help to trace the suspects, but we do have some information, including the first name of one individual.”

Peck said the City had immediately engaged with relevant authorities, including the City of Cape Town, CapeNature and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).

In response to media enquiries, DFFE spokesperson Nomxolisi Mashiyi confirmed the incident and said nine yellowwood trees were affected. She said the department is involved in an ongoing investigation being conducted through the South African Police Service, and confirmed that no permits or authorisations had been issued for tree removal at the site.

Mashiyi said while no specific directives or in-situ rehabilitation measures have been issued, the department plans to plant nine replacement yellowwood trees in collaboration with stakeholders and conduct environmental awareness campaigns at neighbouring schools.

Peck noted that while the unlawful destruction of protected trees can carry heavy fines or imprisonment in serious cases, this route will not be pursued at this stage.

“What happened is completely unacceptable and criminal, but instead of taking legal action, we are hoping to turn this into a learning experience,” he said. “We are trying to find those responsible so we can speak to their parents and prevent something like this from happening again.”

He added that broader conservation education initiatives would be rolled out in the area.

“We are also going to start engaging with various schools in the area to talk to learners about the importance of protecting our fauna and flora,” Peck said.

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