Randfontein counts the cost of severe storm
Clean-up operations began in Randfontein, west of Johannesburg, on Thursday following a severe storm that hit parts of the area the previous afternoon.
The storm claimed the life of a toddler, while 24 others were injured.
Gauteng disaster management spokesperson Tshepo Motlhale said a tree fell on top of an informal dwelling in Eldorado Park.
He said that upon removal of the tree, a 13-month-old was found to have suffered fatal injuries.
The strong winds and heavy downpours destroyed boundary walls, broke windows, and blew off roofs.
The Gauteng government said it began assessing the extent of the damage, which included homes, an apartment block, and a shopping centre in Toekomsrus.
The South African Weather Service says a severe thunderstorm might have resulted in a tornado.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the area shortly after the storm hit and said they are providing help to all those affected.
“We will set up an emergency war room to see what is the immediate needs so that those needs can be met, if we can, both as local government and provincial government.
“We will definitely file a report so we can ask for support from other spheres of government.”
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