Synthetic rubber manufacturer caused cyanide spill

Anansa Jacobs
21 February 2012

Karbochem a synthetic rubber manufacturer says that a mechanical failure is to blame for a cyanide leak that poisoned the water supply of towns in KwaZulu-Natal last week.

Jaco Prinsloo the company’s spokesperson says that a mechanical failure caused the equipment to contaminate the water and leak into the storm water system.

Last week the cyanide spilled into the Ngagane River in Newcastle, affecting the area’s untreated water supplies.

Karbochem has since offered to compensate two farmers who lost twelve cows as a result of the spill.