VOODOO rituals, refuse disposal and the washing of taxis and cars are some of the many things still happening at the drift over the Toti river by the old River Gardens Hotel site.
READ: Headless goat floating in Toti River drift (Not for sensitive viewers)
An infuriated resident sees the illicit acts nearly every day, and can’t understand how they’ve been allowed to continue taking place for this long.
“I think it’s about time our rivers were policed,” said the complainant, who asked to remain nameless for fear of reprisal. “Everyday I drive over the crossing where the old River Gardens Hotel used to be, and am sure to see something wrong going on.”
For years now, complaints of these exact acts have been made but something has yet to be done to resolve them.
READ: Goat carcasses ‘part of muthi rituals’
“I have seen acts of voodoo taking place, where often a woman, man and two children can be seen crouched down, burning candles with a goat or chickens tied up nearby,” said the resident.
Goat and chicken carcasses as well as mangled toy dolls have been reported floating in the river beside the bridge many times over the years.
READ ALSO: More goat carcasses afloat in river
On his way to work every day, the Toti resident attempts to cross the concrete bridge, but is often blocked by taxis and cars parked in the river, where the drivers proceed to wash their vehicles.
“I’m sure the soap, polishes and other washing substances can only harm the water and bird life of the area,” said the irate resident.
On Monday, 17 April the complainant crossed the river to find men wetting collected cardboard they intend to trade in for money.
“I saw not only the cardboard, but many pieces of unwanted litter being tossed into the river,” said the complainant. “When I asked the men what they were doing, they told me they would collect the litter, but it had already floated a distance away.”
Suggestions of a patrolling guard or signage banning the above acts have been put forward. The voodoo rituals, vehicle washing and ongoing pollution of the river have led to the quiet area becoming more dangerous for those passing by.
“Our river is not a car wash, a dumping ground or the place to practice voodoo rituals. We need to put a stop to these acts and help our river and surrounding wildlife,” said the complainant.
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