Unexplained foul smell leaves West Rand residents blaming their cats

Residents woke up to a foul smell on the morning of October 28, with reports stretching from Randfontein to Fourways.

Members of the public took to social media to share their experiences, with some accusing their husbands and children of passing wind, while others searched their homes for cats they suspected had left an unpleasant surprise.

Refilwe Mahlangu, assistant to Mogale City Local Municipality’s media and public relations manager, confirmed that the municipality had received complaints from stakeholders in and around Krugersdorp about the smell.

“Following these complaints, readings from the low-cost sensor at the Krugersdorp Central Library were reviewed. The readings indicate spikes in PM2.5 and PM10 levels between 00:00 and 08:00 on Wednesday [October 28], followed by a decline after 08:00,” Mahlangu explained.

She said the source of the odour remained unknown.

“As the matter appears to involve transboundary pollution, the municipality will engage the relevant authorities, as the matter is regional in nature,” she said.

• Read the initial article here: Rotten-egg odour sweeps across West Rand into Fourways

Ruanda Ferreira from Kenmare said the smell reminded her of old car oil, while her husband described it as faeces.

Elsie Ferreira from Rant-en-Dal said the smell resembled gas and was unpleasant.

Ursula Ludick from Muldersdrift said they initially thought a cat had urinated in their house.

Natanya Bygate from Witpoortjie said she blamed her cats until she went outside.

MakaMelo Nyoni Mthinsi from Munsieville said she began thoroughly cleaning her house at 06:00 because she could not identify the source of the smell.

Jason Hayes said he had a fight with his cat, while Janet Ashcroft reported smelling an odour resembling cat urine all the way in Randpark Ridge, Randburg.

Marie Blignaut from Rant-en-Dal said the smell caused her to develop a bad cough and kept her awake.

Residents may owe their feline companions an apology for suspecting them of causing the foul smell. With the source of the odour still unknown, the cats may have been innocent all along.

Michelle van Wyk 1 minute read Facebook X LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Share via Email Print Support local journalism Add The Citizen as a preferred source to see more from Krugersdorp News in Google News and Top Stories.