convictions for environmental crimes
26 October 2006
As part of a concerted effort to improve the capacity of the environmental
management inspectors to deal with environmental crimes, a team of "green
scorpions" undertook the first environmental forensics training course from 23
to 26 October 2006, held at Magoebaskloof in Limpopo
"The intensive forensic awareness course designed for the green scorpions
will result in an enhanced investigation and prosecution of environmental
crimes in South Africa," said Blessing Manale, Spokesperson for the Department
of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), on the conclusion of four days of
forensic training.
The training initiative is a joint project between the DEAT, the South
African Police Services (SAPS) Forensics Laboratory and the Environment Agency
of England and Wales.
The course looked at the principles of forensic evidence collection,
analysis and admission in court, while also focusing on specific forensic areas
pertaining to the Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) function. "For
instance, 'wildlife forensics' aimed to empower inspectors on the techniques of
catching and prosecuting poachers and smugglers of endangered species. EMIs
have also been schooled in the art of tracing dumped hazardous materials and
waste in terms of 'pollution forensics,'" explained Manale.
Popularly referred to as the "green scorpions," EMIs are responsible for
monitoring compliance with, and enforcement of national environmental
legislation. Routine inspections, investigation, search and seizure, stopping
and immobilising vehicles, arrests and admission of guilt fines comprise some
of the powers of the EMIs.
A total of 50 EMIs from DEAT, the South African National Parks (SANParks)
all provincial environment departments and provincial parks boards were
represented at the course.
The SAPS continue to play a crucial role in enforcing environmental
legislation. EMIs and the SAPS have developed a close working relationship in
the investigation of environmental crimes. "This collaboration has seen
previous success rates during the renowned 'Operation Neptune,' resulting in
high level arrests curbing illegal abalone trading and poaching in the past
years.
Eight hundred and ninety EMIs have either been designated or are awaiting
designation countrywide and will provide South Africa with the largest ever
environmental police force in the history of South Africa's conservation and
environmental protection efforts.
For further information please contact:
Blessing Manale
Cell: 083 381 2939
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
26 October 2006
