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Johannesburg municipality is investigating a sulphur smell reported over the city, believed to originate from industrial operations in Mpumalanga. Complaints surfaced late last week, with the municipality attributing the odour to long-range air pollutant movement.

Historically, the January to March period has experienced regular occurrences of a rotten egg smell. The city monitors hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) with two dedicated stations and six other air quality monitoring stations for various pollutants.

Residents are advised to remain indoors during strong odours, particularly vulnerable groups. The investigation revealed that the pollution is widespread and linked to power generation and petrochemical activities east of Gauteng. Sasol confirmed that their Secunda plant showed no unusual emissions, while monitoring continues in the region.