Beaches from the Tongaat River through to Salt Rock remain closed as a precautionary measure.

KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) said that all recreational activities, including fishing, surfing, swimming, bait collection and collection of dead marine life should be refrained from – this is owing to a recent chemical contamination.

The chemical contamination is the result of recent unrest which saw to the burning of a chemical warehouse at Cornubia.

“Collecting or harvesting of any marine resources in the areas is temporarily prohibited as they have been exposed to toxic chemicals and could be harmful to human health,” warned KDM spokesperson, Sipho Mkhize.

The temporary ban and closure will remain in effect until the threat has abated.

It is understood that results from samples taken and sent for laboratory tests are due within the coming week.

The situation would be reassessed based on the results.

A chemical clean-up company has been appointed to clean the spill as well as to render decontamination services.

To date, only the oHlanga Estuary and its adjacent beach has seen fish species die as a result of contamination.

Dead fish have washed up as far north as Umdloti Beach.

Report contamination or fish kill to 083 253 6618.