Residents warned not to drink tap water after hundreds fall sick near South Africa capital

More than 400 people have fallen ill after drinking contaminated tap water in Tshwane, the area that includes Pretoria. Authorities have warned residents not to drink or cook with the water, which has been declared unfit for human consumption.

Officials recorded 408 cases between 7 and 18 October across about five townships, with most patients reported to be children under four. Tests found E. coli and other pathogens, including norovirus, campylobacter and shigella; the outbreak’s source remains unclear, and no deaths or cholera infections have been reported. Water tankers are supplying clean water, while residents have been told to use tap water only to flush toilets and to disinfect containers.