Two people have tragically lost their lives after swimming in the eNseleni quarry, north of Durban, yesterday.

The body of a 47-year-old male was retrieved from the infamous dam this morning, while the other male in his late 30s was rescued by community members and rushed to the eNseleni Clinic, where he subsequently died.

Mayor Xolani Ngwezi expressed his condolences to the two bereaved families and again warned community members against swimming in the quarry.

He says the area was not designated for swimming and advised local residents to make use of the eNseleni, Aquadene and Brackenham swimming pools as well as Alkantstrand, which are official areas safeguarded and designated for swimming.

The municipality further warned of serious health risks as results of samples taken at the dam have proved that it is not safe for swimming.

“This matter is still being handled by DMRE [Department of Mineral Resources] and the owner of the dam, as resolved at a meeting which was held with DMRE, the Traditional Council, ward councillor and City of uMhlathuze at KwaKhoza Traditional Council. In essence, it was agreed that the law must take its course,” says uMhlathuze communications manager Xolani Ngwezi.