When hundreds of fish were found dead in the Klip River on Sunday, uThukela technicians immediately responded. “We have sent water samples and some of the dead fish away to laboratories for analysis to determine what killed them,” said Deputy Water Services Manager Mr Glen Singh.

According to Mr Singh, the water contamination most likely came from a poisonous substance being dumped into the river either behind the army camp or off the bypass bridge.

“Water taken from the Klip River to supplement Ladysmith’s drinking water supply is taken further upstream,” he said. “So there is no danger to the town’s drinking water.”

Commenting on fears that raw sewage leaking into the river may be the cause, he stressed that raw sewage would not kill fish. They would actually just get bigger. “We are aware of sewer problems and are dealing with those problems as fast as we can,” he added. “This was not sewage, but an act of malicious dumping.” Once they have traced the source of the poison, they will have a good idea who is responsible and will take action.