Gauteng motorists urged to be cautious amid heavy rains, load-shedding

Motorists have been urged to drive with caution. 

Tshwane emergency spokesperson Johan Pieterse says a tree fell down in Christina De Witt Avenue in Groenkloof on Wedneday evening.

Two motorbikes subsequently collided with the fallen tree, leaving one person dead and the other critically injured.

"We treated one critical patient on scene and unfortunate one of the motorcyclists passed on due to the impact, so that was the one major scene attended to this morning. 

"The consistent rain started last night (Wednesday) throughout the whole Tshwane area, more specifically the southern area. We did respond throughout the night to various crashes that were reported, most of them bumper bashes. 

"We did end up at the low water bridges in Centurion, where we had to support people to get their vehicles out, they got suck in the water, a warning to people if the  low water bridges are in flood please don't try to cross them you might end up finding yourself in trouble.”

Motorists are also urged to switch on their headlights during the day. 

Johannesburg emergency services’ Nana Radebe says while no incidents have been reported, they are on alert.

"We urging drivers to drive very carefully, we have not had any major incidents and we are applauding people for driving carefully. 

“We also want those staying in low-lying areas to check the water levels, especially around Diepsloot and Alexandra.”

Meanwhile, William Ntladi from the emergency services in Ekurhuleni says they are not aware of any serious flooding in the area, although there is some flooding on the side of the roads

"We are also still advising the residents across the city, the motorists as well, because the water is damming up on the edges of the roads, just for them to keep the following distance and make sure their vehicles are ready and tyres are ready to take the roads we have been experiencing.”