The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety urges motorists, pedestrians and all road users to exercise extreme caution when travelling, particularly when approaching low-lying bridges and flooded roads, following reports of flooding incidents and loss of lives in parts of the Mopani and Vhembe Districts.
Flooding Conditions and Risks
Persistent heavy rainfall in the affected areas has caused rivers and streams to overflow, rendering certain roads unsafe and significantly increasing the risk of fatal accidents. The Department has received distressing reports of people drowning after attempting to cross flooded streams, rivers and bridges.
MEC’s Warning to Road Users
MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, has strongly cautioned road users against taking unnecessary risks.
“We are deeply concerned about the loss of lives reported in Mopani and Vhembe. We urge motorists and pedestrians to refrain from crossing flooded roads and low-lying bridges. No destination is worth a human life. Floodwaters are unpredictable and can easily sweep away both people and vehicles,” said MEC Mathye.
Call for Community Cooperation
The MEC has called on communities to cooperate with traffic officers, law enforcement agencies and disaster management teams deployed across the province to ensure the safety of all road users.
Road Safety Guidelines
Road users are advised to:
Avoid crossing flooded low-lying bridges and roads, even if the water appears shallow
Obey road closure signs and instructions from traffic officials
Use alternative routes where available
Reduce speed and maintain safe following distances during wet and rainy conditions
Ensure the safety of pedestrians and learners, especially in flood-prone areas
Ongoing Monitoring and Response
Traffic officers and disaster management teams remain on high alert, continuously monitoring road conditions and providing assistance where required.
Condolences and Final Appeal
The Department extends its sincere condolences to families affected by the recent tragic incidents and reiterates its call for vigilance, patience and responsible road use during adverse weather conditions.
Stay Informed
Road users are encouraged to stay updated through official alerts from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and to report emergencies to local authorities.
