Allegations about poisoning at Ntshingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam have caused significant concern among Newcastle residents, leaving many worried about the safety of their water supply.
As initially reported by Newcastillian News, social media was awash with claims that the popular dam had allegedly been poisoned.
In response to these allegations, the Newcastle Municipality initiated an investigation to verify the claims and ensure that the water was safe for consumption.
Following this investigation, Newcastle Municipal Manager Zamani Mcineka issued an official statement to address the rumours. Mcineka explained that consultations had been held with the South African Police Service (SAPS), uThukela Water, and personnel from the Department of Water and Sanitation stationed at the dam. These consultations confirmed that the allegations of poisoning were entirely unfounded and categorised as false rumours.
Mcineka stated, “Newcastle residents are urged to ignore the circulating voice notes and social media propaganda aimed at causing a lot of undue panic amongst residents. The Municipality prioritises the needs of its citizens and acknowledges that access to clean and safe water is essential. We condemn any attempts to spread misinformation that may cause unnecessary concern among our residents.”
According to the Municipality, those responsible for spreading these voice notes and their motives remain unknown. The Municipality has now issued a warning to the perpetrators and instigators, urging them to stop fuelling these misleading rumours. “Such mischievous people should know that their actions constitute an element of treason, which is a punishable offence in terms of the laws of the country,” declared Mcineka.
To further reassure the community, Mcineka announced that water samples from Ntshingwayo Dam had been urgently sent to an accredited laboratory for testing. He emphasised that the test results would be made publicly available to demonstrate transparency and rebuild public confidence.
Despite confirmation that the water is safe for consumption, the allegations have already caused distress within the community. Some of the circulating voice notes included claims that members of the local Pakistani community were responsible for poisoning the dam. These baseless accusations have led to the targeting of the Pakistani community in Newcastle, further escalating tensions.
Imran Ghafoor, Chairperson of the Pakistani Newcastle Community and Head of the Crime Fighting Task Team, voiced his frustration over the allegations. He stated, “I wish to state from the onset that I am absolutely disappointed and disgusted by the false allegations associated with our national Pakistani community based in Newcastle regarding the poisoning of the water in Chelmsford Dam. These allegations based on the Pakistanis poisoning the Chelmsford Dam water are all false.”
Ghafoor added that the relevant municipal departments and their representatives, including the Municipal Manager and departmental heads, had been to the dam and confirmed that the water was uncontaminated.
He further emphasised, “Just like other local residents, we are here to work hard, support our families, our communities, and live righteously. I cannot understand how we can be falsely accused of such heinous acts. I personally am a Pakistani and I am here working alongside the police to combat crime and deal with criminals. It is my duty to uphold the law and enforce law and order where needed.”
Expressing his dismay at the unfair targeting of Pakistanis, Ghafoor remarked, “The local community needs to understand that we may be Pakistanis, but I feel that we take care of our community better than some of them. If we take statistics into consideration, we will see that Pakistanis have little or no drug-related cases, theft-related cases, or even general crime incidents compared to local residents. There are many things that the local residents do wrong, and I can’t understand why only the Pakistani community is being accused and targeted.”
He further explained, “While we were not brought up in South Africa, we were raised in homes where religion was upheld, culture was taught, and morals and values were instilled in us. According to Islamic teachings, we are all part of the Almighty’s creation, and we are here to appreciate and take care of our creation! Many people are ignorant of the teachings of Islam, but we Pakistanis are proud of our religion. We uphold the teachings with utmost respect! These false allegations are baseless, and I will make it my priority to investigate who is behind this and ensure that these allegations are dealt with seriously.”
Furthermore, the Newcastle Municipality and leaders like Ghafoor have called for unity and urged residents to refrain from spreading false information. Sharing unverified claims not only spreads fear but also disrupts harmony within the community. Residents are encouraged to rely on official and professional communications, such as Newcastillian News, for accurate information and updates on public safety concerns.
What are your thoughts on this matter? Share your views in the comments section below.
Comments 7
Water testing not concluded, but the Pakistani Gafoor says it it is uncontaminated. Who is correct ? Also, Gafoor insults South Africans, are these his own words ?
You need help only God can help you
Watch this space and you will learn about upholding the law, respecting the law and not commiting crime by breaking laws. Any law breaker is a criminal.
More accurately my question is this. The culprit behind the message what will happen to him or her? No one is anonymous in this day and age. They can and should be traced. And finding that person is very important. And clearly the impression left was the person was trying to stir trouble. For reasons only known to the person.
I highly doubt that the water was poisoned. Most just want to take care of their families and live a peaceful life.
Also. How would they be able to go poison the water without being seen or confronted.
But the one that sent the voicenote. The actual creator of it has dangerous tendencies as no one but that one would think of that. I’d say find the culprit and make sure they know the full extent of the law. And keep that person at bay and away from our most precious water source. Please.
I don’t think the person mentioned in the article insulted anyone. (In answer to another comment) but realized panic can cause troubling behavior. And they like the rest of us. Want to go about their days safely without worrying about retaliation from a malicious voicenote.
Also thank you to the Newcastillian for putting our concerns and worry about the water at rest. It is highly appreciated.
To Imran Gaffor.
I believe in giving credit where credit is due, yes you are pro active in crime combat in Newcastle, for that I thank you for your efforts.
However I take offense with your statement ” The local community”, I am a member of the Newcastle local community, I personally did not even know about the voice note. Nor do I appreciate being painted with the same brush, as the people behind the rumors, I feel it was reckless to make an emotional broad statement when you a leader in any community.
Furthermore it is not called for to do community work than throw it in the public faces,as it was your personal choice. Secondly you insult S.Ans for doing nothing, If one knows the history of S.A. long walk to freedom, then you will understand that while Nelson Madela was in prison and some leaders were fugitives hiding in Foreign countries, it was the normal citizens men,women and children, that fought the Apartheid regime and for the release of Nelson Mandela . Sadly Iraan Khan is in a Pakistan prison while the country is overtaken,while currently here in S.A. Selected Pakistani’s and S.Ans nationally are fighting over spaza shops. DOES THAT MAKE SENSE????So as people living in South Africa and Newcastle can we please just respect each other. This is very childish and immature and reckless, lets all act like adults, in a fast growing tense environment!!!!!!!
Clearly this is Xenophobia stoking and propaganda the motives for which, though unknown , are evil! This comes amidst other heinous accusations against Pakistanis and people need to stop being so gullible and believing everything on social media at a time when anything can be faked, thanks to AI. Fellow South Africans, let us not make social media and technology our downfall, instead let’s practice discernment and not forward every silly sensational thing that comes into our feed. No Non -South African will put themselves and their community at risk with such baseless, senseless acts where there is nothing to be gained and all is to be lost. Let us also consider the repercussions of spreading fake news. Pakistanis form a valuable and at times, perform an indispensable service, in our communities. Let us show them love and Ubuntu even as South Africans also venture out to foreign lands and hope to be well received. The world is a global village and we as South Africans can give it our distinctive hospitality flavour.
I, a South African citizen, an African of European descent, whose ancestors can be traced back in Africa for 350 years, am in total support of Mr. Ghafoor’s statement.
People spreading malicious rumours are acting in the interest of enemies of our country, and should be dealt with accordingly.
Respect is earned, it is not a “human right”, and the Pakistani community of Newcastle has proved as a group that their interest lies in the welfare of all the respectable and lawabiding people in our town. They have proven their worth in several times of crisis, and deserve due respect.