VANDERBIJLPARK - Despite repeated interventions by government and Rand Water, Emfuleni Municipality continues to let untreated waste flow into the Vaal River.
The municipality is now facing criminal charges for contaminating this crucial water resource.
For years, sewage has flowed through streets, into homes and directly into the Vaal system.
After nearly a decade of failing to resolve the crisis, Emfuleni now faces charges relating to water pollution and contravention of environmental laws.
A criminal case was opened by the Freedom Front Plus in 2020.
The NPA says more charges are on the way.
“The investigation is complete. The state intends to add further charges in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act," said NPA prosecutor Jeff Nethononda.
"The charge sheet will be amended accordingly.”
But while the legal process unfolds, Emfuleni has done very little to resolve the problem and sewage continues to flow through the streets.
The matter has been postponed to 4 May for the additional charges to be added and for full disclosure of the docket.
- eNCA’s Manqoba Mchunu reports.