Clamping down on dam crime

2003-12-02 13:18

Johannesburg - As the festive season holidays draw closer, police and nature conservation organisations are geared up to deal with offenders at various dams, rivers and lakes in the North Rand, police said on Tuesday.

Superintendent Eugene Opperman said a crime prevention operation would be conducted to make these public places safer for holiday visitors.

"We will therefore not hesitate to enforce the Water Act and other relevant legislation to ensure the safety of people and property,"

Opperman said police had arrested many offenders over the past few years and summoned others for offences that had endangered lives and property.

He pleaded with parents not to allow children under the prescribed age to pilot craft, including jet ski equipment.

"The law states that it is an offence for owners of craft to allow a person under the age of 16 to pilot or handle the steering mechanism of any craft on dams, rivers and lakes."

Zero tolerance

In previous years, police had arrested people and summoned parents who had broken the law.

"We are not here to spoil anybody's fun. However, we will show a zero tolerance approach towards those who deliberately, negligently and illegally infringe on the rights of others to enjoy themselves in an environment of relative safety."

Owners intending on using their craft on government dams must obtain the necessary permit to do so, said Opperman.

He warned that action would be taken against those who took liquor and drugs while using water craft.

- SAPA