South African authorities have launched an investigation into a suspected water contamination incident in Tshwane after laboratory tests identified several disease-causing pathogens in supplies linked to 408 reported cases of gastrointestinal illness.

BBC News Pidgin reported that the affected communities are in and around Bronkhorstspruit, east of Pretoria, where cases were recorded between October 7 and 18. Children below four years account for a large proportion of those affected, while hospitals are preparing to accommodate additional patients.

Investigators identified norovirus, campylobacter and shigella in tested samples, alongside elevated levels of E. coli. The findings have prompted health and water officials to investigate a local treatment facility that supplies several communities. Preliminary inquiries have also raised concerns about delays in notifying residents of the potential danger.

Residents have been instructed to stop using the affected tap water for drinking and food preparation. Authorities have restricted its use to toilet flushing and deployed water tankers to provide alternative supplies. Households have also been advised to discard stored water and disinfect their containers with household bleach.

Bronkhorstspruit Hospital has established isolation facilities and additional bed capacity to manage the influx of patients. National officials and the municipal mayor are coordinating the response. No deaths had been reported in connection with the latest outbreak as of Monday.

The investigation comes amid previous waterborne disease incidents in the region. A cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal and nearby communities killed 29 people in 2023, while 48 typhoid cases were confirmed in the same area in 2025. Authorities have said cholera bacteria have not been identified in the current outbreak.