Mapaballo Borotho

A growing sinkhole along the R563 in Krugersdorp, West of Johannesburg, is raising serious safety concerns after reportedly causing at least ten accidents in recent months.
The exact cause of the sinkhole has not been officially confirmed, but reports suggest that water flow in the area may be a contributing factor.
According to Evert du Plessis, the DA’s Gauteng shadow MEC for Roads and Transport Logistics, the sinkhole has been present since February 2025.
Speaking during an interview on Point of View on Kaya 959, du Plessis said, “The department was informed about this hole, and apparently it wasn’t this big when it started. I know that there was a taxi accident last night; luckily, there were no injuries.”
Du Plessis further explained that the area is vulnerable to sinkholes due to an underlying cave system and the impact of ongoing illegal mining activities in the area.
Meanwhile, Lesiba Mpya, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Transport and Roads, confirmed the department is aware of this massive sinkhole.
He further confirmed that a formal technical assessment on the sinkhole only began this week, several months after the hole was reported.
“We have been conducting visual assessments, and now the Council for Geoscience is on board to help us determine the scope, repair timeline, and cost,” said Mpya.
“However, we are not yet in a position to confirm when construction work will begin.”
Residents and motorists remain at risk, especially at night, as the affected road lacks streetlights.
Mpya said the department has taken basic precautions.
“We’ve put up protective signage and are doing traffic accommodations in the area. A large portion of the road has caved in, but there is still a section that can be used.”
When asked about the repeated accidents despite warning signs, Mpya attributed them largely to ‘human behavior’ emphasising that drivers must exercise caution or consider alternative routes.
For the full conversation listen to the podcast.
READ NEXT: Mango Airlines in final phase of return after four-year hiatus



