Palm tree poaching is illegal
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality wishes to make its citizens aware of the prevalent illegal practice wherein certain unscrupulous individuals lure them, with money, to part with palm trees which are on their private property.
The same individuals, who apparently serve as agents of a company whose name is known to the municipality, are also targeting palm trees belonging to council and situated on city sidewalks.
This illegal harvesting of palm trees impacts negatively on the concerted effort of council to green the environment and to add aesthetic value to our city. Residents are cautioned that trees on the sidewalks are the property of council and there are by-laws governing their planting, pruning and removal.
Any person found to be transgressing these by-laws will face prosecution.
A criminal case has been registered with the SAPS, and a formal investigation is underway regarding this unacceptable practice.
The community of Ekurhuleni is advised to be alert and to report any activity pertaining to illegal harvesting of palm trees to their nearest customer care centre, parks depot or EMPD precinct station.
The EMM Communication Call-Taking Centre can also be contacted, on 011 458-0911.
