Pollution tests are being conducted to determine the severity of pollution in Cornubia, Durban. This, after the UPL Chemical Plant, was set alight during the spate of looting and unrest in the area on Monday.

Toxic discharge has flown into the Durban North beaches resulting in dead fish. The eThekwini Municipality has since closed all beaches in Durban North as a safety precaution. Residents have also complained about strong chemical stenches entering their homes.

In response, UPL South Africa said it is unclear how toxic the pollution is, and that the plant is not the only one emitting toxic pollution due to several other fires set off in the area since Monday.

[Picture: Thabiso Goba]