Medical waste: kingpin held

2010-02-08 22:57

Bloemfontein - The Green Scorpions have arrested a Free State man believed to be at the centre of the illegal dumping medical waste in the Welkom area, environmental authorities said on Monday.

Environmental Affairs spokesperson Roopa Singh said Gavin Brasher was arrested in Welkom following alleged threats and acts of intimidation against State witnesses.

"The investigation into Brasher is ongoing," Singh said in a statement.

Late last year, a huge amount of medical waste was found illegally dumped at several places around Welkom including a business owned by Brasher near the Welkom show grounds, a farm outside Welkom and a disused Harmony Gold mine on the outskirts of Welkom.

Singh said on Monday that Brasher faced various charges under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, including offences related to the illegal disposal of waste.

She said the Green Scorpions were also assisting the police with a fraud investigation.

Singh said the illegal dumping of medical waste contravened a number of provisions in the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, which came into effect in July 2009.

The offences carried maximum penalties of R10m or 10 years' imprisonment or both.

Free State police spokesperson Stephan Thakeng said Brasher appeared in the Welkom Magistrate's Court late on Monday afternoon.

The case was postponed until Tuesday for a formal bail application. He would remain in police custody until then.

- SAPA