Deadly bacteria found in 'Bloemhof Dam'
Bacteria in the Lekwa-Teemane Dam has already killed three and left five others in hosptial.
JOHANNESBURG - The Water and Sanitation Department has confirmed bacteria was detected in the Lekwa-Teemane Municipal Dam in Bloemhof, which is believed to have caused widespread diarrhoea in the area.
But the department says reports of a cholera outbreak remain unverified.
Three babies died while five others were hospitalised last week after drinking contaminated water.
Authorities say further tests are being conducted and a report will be released soon.
Department spokesperson Nomvula Khalo says, "Cholera is not a problem, but bacteria was found in the water. That bacteria is being tested and the results will be issued during the week, just to make sure we know what it is."