Polokwane mayor rejects claims of deadly water contamination in Seshego

By Levy Masiteng 

Polokwane Municipality Executive Mayor Makoro John Mpe has strongly dismissed allegations that contaminated municipal water caused the deaths of children in Seshego, saying there is no evidence linking recent illnesses to the town’s water supply.

Addressing the media in Seshego on Tuesday, Mpe stressed the municipality’s commitment to accountability and public health.

“We will not gamble with lives. We will not wait for crises to deepen before we act,” he said.

The briefing followed growing public concern after reports of gastroenteritis cases and claims of suspected cholera linked to water contamination.

Mpe said one borehole supplying parts of Seshego was found to have high turbidity levels. As a precautionary measure, the entire Seshego water system was shut down to allow for cleansing and flushing.

“The affected borehole has since been decommissioned, and we are planning to install a package treatment plant,” he said.

He also cited findings