Rain causing chaos in Joburg as roads flood, City Power inundated with complaints

Persistent rain was causing chaos in Johannesburg on Saturday with several major roads flooded and City Power inundated with complaints. 

The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD)'s Wayne Minnaar said the M1 near Newtown, as well as various roads in the Fourways area, the N3, roads in Soweto, in Riverlea, and the N17 were all flooded. 

"We call on motorists to drive with extra caution and not to drive through water that is flowing over roads at low-lying bridges," said Minnaar. 

ER24's Ross Campbell said four cars got stuck on the M1 bridge on Friday night with one person having to be rescued and treated for hypothermia. 

Meanwhile, City Power's Isaac Mangena said they have been inundating with complaints linked to the rain. 

"Were dealing with high call volumes...614 calls were logged by 7am in the morning with almost three-quarters of those coming from the Roodepoort area," said Mangena. 

He adds that load shedding is adding to their frustration as it places an additional burden on the system when the power is switched on and off. 

The South African Weather Service (SAWS)'s Mbavhi Maliage has said they do not foresee a respite in the rain on Saturday and have issue dan alert for flooding through Gauteng.