Imagine walking by a river you’ve known your whole life, only to find it mysteriously glowing green.
That’s the unsettling reality facing communities near the Limpopo River, where reports of a strange discolouration have triggered environmental alarms and a government-led investigation in Zimbabwe.
Officials Scramble to Uncover the Cause
Authorities in Zimbabwe wasted no time responding.
The Civil Protection Committee in Beitbridge is now deep into a full-scale probe, trying to figure out what exactly is polluting the river and where it’s coming from.
Early signs suggest the issue may not be homegrown at all.
Suspicion Falls on Border Region Near South Africa
According to updates from The Herald, the discoloured water appears to be coming from the Shashe River area — where Zimbabwe’s Limpopo River merges with water flowing in from Botswana and South Africa.
That has raised serious questions about cross-border contamination, especially since the strange colouration was first spotted downstream from that very junction.
Local Leader Shares Concern But Offers Reassurance
Sikhangezile Mafu, who heads the local civil protection committee and also serves as the District Development Coordinator, confirmed that the early investigations are pointing toward a possible source in South Africa.
While that’s still being verified, she also offered a bit of good news: Beitbridge’s main water supply from Dam 1 has not been affected — at least not yet.
“The biggest worry is for people who might be drawing water directly from the Limpopo River or from Dam 2,” she added, stressing the need for continued caution.
Testing Underway as Residents Await Answers
Experts from the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) are working closely with water specialists, and lab tests are already in progress.
Everyone is waiting anxiously for the results, which are expected soon.
Until then, residents are being urged to stay away from using untreated water from the river.
Should South African Authorities Step In?
With the suspected origin of the pollution possibly lying across the border, many are now calling on South African officials to launch their own investigation.
If the contamination did begin upstream, then regional cooperation will be essential to prevent further damage and to hold responsible parties accountable.
What’s Next for the Limpopo?
Until testing is complete and the source is officially identified, the mystery remains.
For now, locals are being cautious, and officials are on high alert. As more updates roll in, one thing is clear — what happens next will require teamwork between nations, not just departments.