The results obtained in this study clearly showed that the nal ef uents of wastewater treatment plants are reservoir of antibiotic-resistant E. coli pathotypes (and possibly other pathogens), and potential point sources of antibiotic- resistant genes, which might be transferred to other patho- gens in the receiving watersheds, thus, presenting a public health risk. The combination of the deadly duo of drug resistance and emerging virulence in pathogenic bacteria brings about a worrisome situation of possible lack of therapeutic options for some severe bacterial infections in the nearest future. This phenomenon coupled with high number of immunocompromised individuals in the Southern African region calls for priority attention to bring under control the spread of antibiotic resistance in order to safeguard the health of the general public.