EFF plans charges against Tshwane mayor over unsafe water
PRETORIA — The EFF says it will lay criminal charges against Tshwane’s mayor and city manager over the municipality’s failure to warn residents about unsafe water, escalating demands for accountability after 408 people fell ill.
The party said it would pursue charges under the National Water Act and Water Services Act and lodge a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission over residents’ right to water.
These are announced intentions. The statement supplied does not confirm that the charges or commission complaint have been lodged.
A Department of Water and Sanitation investigation found that water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works went unchlorinated between 24 September and 14 October following chlorine supply problems. Residents were not warned timeously.
The 408 gastrointestinal illness cases were recorded between 7 and 18 October, with children younger than four accounting for most patients.
Mayor Nasiphi Moya has said plant officials failed to inform city leadership timeously about the chlorine shortage and promised accountability measures. Whether criminal liability attaches to any individual remains a matter for investigation and prosecutorial assessment.
The EFF’s announcement follows the DA’s statement that it opened a criminal case against the city on Monday over water-safety failures.
Residents supplied by the affected treatment works must continue to avoid using tap water for drinking, cooking, bathing, brushing teeth or washing clothes, even after boiling. Authorities say it may only be used for flushing toilets.
Water tankers are supplying drinking water while testing and investigations continue. No date has been confirmed for restoring safe tap water.
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