Municipalities across South Africa hit with criminal charges

Municipalities across South Africa have been hit with criminal charges, with over 100 cases laid against local authorities for failing to address pollution. This crackdown follows a surge in pollution from untreated sewage, with 47% of local wastewater treatment plants in critical condition and 396 of the country's 848 wastewater treatment systems in a critical state. The move aims to hold accountable those responsible for the country's deteriorating water infrastructure, which has led to pollution affecting major water sources, including the Rietvlei Dam.