PRETORIA, Friday 23 October 2026 — The Public Protector has opened a formal investigation into allegations of maladministration and improper conduct by the City of Tshwane following the Bronkhorstspruit water contamination crisis.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has separately convened an engagement with government and municipal authorities, calling for urgent measures to restore safe drinking water to affected communities.
The developments follow reports that more than 400 people became ill after receiving contaminated water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works.
Public Protector confirms investigation
Public Protector spokesperson Oupa Segalwe confirmed on Thursday that an investigation had been launched.
The investigation follows complaints concerning the municipality’s handling of the contamination incident.
EFF treasurer-general and Tshwane mayoral candidate Omphile Maotwe submitted a complaint calling for scrutiny of Mayor Nasiphi Moya and City Manager Johann Mettler.
Freedom Front Plus regional leader Willie Spies also sought an investigation into the municipality’s handling of the crisis.
The complaints raise concerns about water-treatment failures, municipal oversight and the communication of health risks to residents.
The opening of an investigation does not establish that the allegations have been proved.
Human Rights Commission convenes engagement
In a statement issued on Friday, the SAHRC confirmed that it had convened a multi-stakeholder engagement involving the Department of Water and Sanitation, the Department of Health, Rand Water and the City of Tshwane.
The commission said it was finalising its investigation and preparing a report setting out findings and recommendations.
The SAHRC had already been investigating water-related complaints in Bronkhorstspruit before the latest contamination incident.
It also conducted an oversight visit to the affected area and treatment works on 21 October.
The commission said concerns about the plant’s operations had previously been raised during a broader Gauteng water inquiry in May.
Commission demands remedial measures
The SAHRC called on Tshwane to urgently address operational and water-quality problems at the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works.
It also called for safe alternative water supplies where necessary.
The commission said the municipality needed to communicate consistently with affected communities about health risks, corrective measures and steps intended to prevent another incident.
It expressed concern that problems previously raised during its water inquiry remained unresolved.
The commission has not yet released its final investigation report.
Chlorination failure affected communities
The contamination followed a failure to chlorinate water supplied by the Bronkhorstspruit treatment plant between 24 September and 14 October.
The municipality attributed the interruption to problems involving its chlorine supplier.
The plant continued drawing water from the Bronkhorstspruit River during the affected period.
Government investigations identified serious concerns about the quality of the water supplied to surrounding communities.
The incident affected areas including Bronkhorstspruit, Ekangala and Rethabiseng.
Many of the reported patients were young children.
Political accountability under scrutiny
Moya has acknowledged failures in the municipality’s handling of the crisis and accepted overall political responsibility.
The incident has become a major issue in Tshwane’s municipal election campaign.
The EFF, which participates in the governing coalition, has sought external investigations into the municipality.
ActionSA has questioned the EFF’s attempts to distance itself from the administration.
The DA has also called for accountability and parliamentary oversight.
Those political disagreements remain separate from the formal investigations by the Public Protector and SAHRC.
Investigations continue
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health is scheduled to receive briefings on Friday from the municipality and relevant government departments.
The Public Protector’s investigation and the SAHRC’s inquiry may establish further findings concerning the municipality’s response.
No final determination of maladministration or personal liability has been announced.
The immediate priority remains the restoration of safe water supplies and protection of affected residents.
