Key Takeaways
- The City of Cape Town is seeking to identify a motorist who was caught on camera littering in the CBD.
- A tour guide intervened and attempted to return the litter to the motorist, who then threw it out again and made obscene gestures.
- Littering is a criminal offence in Cape Town, with offenders facing on-the-spot fines, criminal charges, or court appearances.
- The city is appealing to the public to help identify those involved in the incident.
- The motorist and the tour guide are being sought by the city, with anyone having information able to contact the city anonymously.
Introduction to the Incident
The City of Cape Town is currently seeking a tour guide who attempted to intervene after a motorist was caught on camera discarding litter from his vehicle in the CBD. A viral video circulating on Facebook shows the driver throwing litter out of his car at a busy intersection. The tour guide, who was travelling in a tour bus behind the vehicle, approached the motorist, picked up the litter, and threw it back into the car. This incident has sparked a reaction from the city, with officials stating that they are trying to identify both the motorist and the tour guide seen in the footage.
The City’s Response
The DA’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, said that the city is taking this incident seriously and is working to identify those involved. Smith stated that "a motorist tossed litter from their vehicle at an intersection in the CBD. A tour guide approached, picked it up, and returned it, but the driver threw it out again and gave obscene gestures to the tour bus occupants." The city is stressing that littering is a criminal offence and warned that they would act when those involved were identified. Under the city’s integrated waste management by-law, it is illegal for any person to drop, throw, discard, or deposit litter in a public place, including roads, pavements, and open spaces.
Consequences of Littering
The city’s integrated waste management by-law also applies to motorists who dispose of waste from their vehicles. Offenders can face on-the-spot fines, which typically start at several hundred rand, while more serious cases may result in heavier fines, criminal charges, or court appearances. In certain circumstances, the city also has the power to impound vehicles used in the commission of offences. Smith said that littering not only degrades the city’s environment but also places a heavy financial burden on municipal resources, with millions of rand spent annually on cleaning public spaces. This highlights the importance of addressing littering and the need for residents and visitors to take responsibility for their actions.
The City’s Appeal for Information
The city has appealed to the public to help identify those involved in the incident. Anyone with information can contact the city anonymously on 021 480 7700 or email [email protected]. This appeal for information demonstrates the city’s commitment to addressing littering and holding offenders accountable. By working together with the public, the city hopes to identify those involved and take appropriate action. The city’s efforts to address littering are not only focused on punishing offenders but also on educating the public about the importance of proper waste disposal and the impact of littering on the environment.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the City of Cape Town is taking a strong stance against littering, and this incident highlights the need for residents and visitors to take responsibility for their actions. The city’s appeal for information and commitment to identifying those involved demonstrate their dedication to addressing this issue. As the city continues to work towards identifying the motorist and the tour guide, it is essential for residents and visitors to be aware of the consequences of littering and to take steps to prevent it. By working together, the city can reduce the incidence of littering and create a cleaner, more environmentally friendly space for everyone. The city’s efforts to address littering are ongoing, and it will be interesting to see how this incident is resolved and what steps the city takes next to address this issue.
