Concerns over the welfare of fish at The Sanctuary shopping centre’s dam have prompted investigations by multiple authorities, following an appeal posted on a community Facebook group in the wake of recent storms.

The post, shared by community member Hanlie Dippenaar, alleged that the dam’s water had turned stagnant and was severely depleted of oxygen, with hundreds of carp reportedly gasping at the surface.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA confirmed it logged a case on Thursday 28 May, with an inspector assigned to investigate within 24 hours, noting that immediate intervention would be prioritised should the situation constitute an emergency.

Wildlife supervisor Trevor Rodney made immediate contact with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), which sent a fish expert from the Shark Spotters Unit to assess the situation.

“He went to check on the fish twice that day and could not find any problems. He was satisfied that the fish were not in any danger or distress. He noted that there was oxygen being pumped into the water,” said Rodney, adding that a follow-up inspection found the water muddied, which was attributed to grass cutting along the verge.

“Based on the expert information we received, we are of the opinion that the fish are safe and not in distress.”

On Wednesday 3 June, the SPCA confirmed that its investigation had been concluded and the case closed.

The City of Cape Town confirmed that Biodiversity Management staff from the Helderberg Nature Reserve visited the privately owned dam on Monday 1 June, and alerted centre management to the issue. Eddie Andrews, Mayoral Committee member for Spatial Planning and Environment, said the matter was also referred to the City’s Water Pollution Control for further investigation and feedback to the Environment Management Department.

Luke Folb of CapeNature said the organisation had not been approached directly and had received no formal report or request for intervention. “Matters involving possible animal distress or welfare concerns should be reported to the SPCA, who will engage with CapeNature where appropriate,” he said.

Folb encouraged the public to report environmental concerns through the appropriate channels, noting that such matters vary depending on land ownership, applicable legislation and the relevant regulatory authority.

“Dams on privately owned land are governed by the Department of Water and Sanitation, while CapeNature may be contacted by other authorities to engage where appropriate and within its mandate,” he said.

DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette contacted centre management for comment but received no response by the time of going to print.