An operation was conducted and the skeletal remains were recovered from a depth of 5m and handed over to the Verulam police.

An inquest docket has been opened.

The eThekwini Municipality's acting communications head, Mandla Nsele, confirmed the grisly discovery.

“The remains have been successfully removed from the reservoir compartment. The municipality has since taken a decision to flush out the water in the affected compartment as a precautionary measure to ensure water safety. Furthermore, the municipality will treat the compartment with chemicals to ensure that the water quality is not compromised moving forward,” he said.

He added that it wasn't clear how the body got into the reservoir.

“The matter has been reported to SAPS for thorough investigation. The preliminary investigation has shown that the reservoir shutter doors were broken into,” said Nsele.

He said that Madrona Drive, Trenance Park, Tea Estate, Buffelsdraai, Valley View Drive, Hilltop Road and upper Amaoti would be affected by the shutdown of the contaminated reservoir.

“The municipality will dispatch water tankers to the affected areas to supply water. The municipality would like to assure residents that the water quality is being monitored very closely and the water is safe for consumption. Regular updates will be provided to the public,” said Nsele.