VICE-PRESIDENT Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday called on law enforcement agents to impose mandatory deterrent sentences on environmental offenders including those who cause veld fires.
By Phyllis Mbanje Mphoko said this during the launch of the national fire action plan roll out programme in Mazowe.
The call comes amid reports that veld fires have claimed 72 lives and destroyed over 300 000 hectares of pastures and millions worth of other property and livestock since 2009.
“The current laws are not deterrent enough and government has had to take a zero tolerance stance to veld fires. Those who commit environmental crimes are just like rapists,” he said.
Mphoko said the current environmental legislation would soon be amended to ensure they carry mandatory custodial sentences of up to five years for veld fire offenders.
“Surely should human life be lost because people want to eat mice,” he asked.
He also proposed that each police station should have an environmental law enforcement section that will be capacitated to deal with such crimes.
Speaking at the same event, Environment, Water and Climate minister Oppah Muchinguri urged local communities to preserve the environment and report fires to the appropriate authorities.
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“We are concerned with the fact that millions worth of properties have been destroyed in these needless fires. We will name and shame people who recklessly set our forests on fire risking the lives of women and children,” Muchinguri said.
She also threatened to withdraw lease agreements of plot holders who committed environmental crimes. Mazowe district is among top districts with the worst cases of veld fires.
