Celani Zungu, was allegedly run over and killed by a municipal water tanker in Adams Mission, South of Durban.
Zungu was allegedly trying to ensure the tanker served the entire community instead of one household.
Cyril Xaba, Mayor of eThekwini and Thabani Nyawose, the Speaker of Council, visited his family on Monday.
“We were deeply saddened to learn of this tragic incident. We appeal for calm and urge the community to allow the South African Police Service to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter” said Mayor Xaba.
Adams Mission is among several rural communities in eThekwini that rely on water tankers due to water demand exceeding the available supply.
The City said the municipality is implementing several major infrastructure projects, including the R1.2 billion Southern Aqueduct upgrade, which is expected to be commissioned in December this year.
Elsewhere in the City, the technical team from Water Operations is currently undertaking work to repair two bursts on the 750mm diameter steel Wiggins High Pressure Supply Main.
The affected main was isolated to allow repairs to proceed, resulting in water supply interruptions to the Woodlands 1 & 2 Reservoirs, Bluff 1 Reservoir, Bluff 2 & 3 Reservoirs, Bluff South Reservoir, Lamont Reservoir and Mobeni Rear Reservoir.
As repairs continue, reservoir storage levels and water demand are being closely monitored.
Areas with interrupted water supply, are Austerville, Clairwood, Mobeni, Montclair, Sea View, Wentworth, Woodlands, Yellowwood Park, Austerville , Bayhead , Brighton Beach , Cave Rock , Fynnlands , Grosvenor , Jacobs , Merewent , Ocean View, Stanvac , Treasure Beach, Wentworth, Havenside , Joe Slovo, Lamont , Mobeni and Mobeni Heights.
Picture: Supplied