Woman survives near-fatal crash at the Mayberry Park’s ‘death bend’
For five years, community members have voiced concerns about the notorious 'death bend' at the corner of JG Strydom and Ruby streets in Mayberry Park. Despite numerous complaints and a petition submitted in 2019, the hazardous curve continues to endanger lives.

Suné Enkerwitz narrowly escaped death after losing control of her vehicle on the infamous ‘death bend’ on the Mayberry Road curve at the corner of JG Strydom and Ruby Street on November 10.
The hazardous curve, notorious for frequent accidents, remains unmarked with warning signs or barriers and is poorly lit, creating a high-risk zone for drivers.
“I came around the corner, and there was nothing to warn me about the sharp turn. No signs, no barriers, just the sudden bend. I lost control and collided with a boulder,” said Suné.
The collision sent her car airborne, flipping and landing on its roof in the veld. The boulders, intended to deter illegal dumping, only exacerbated the danger.

Severely injured, Suné escaped through a broken window, and nearby residents who heard the crash assisted her.
Her injuries were extensive, including fractures to her C6 vertebra, right ribs (seven and 11), and T8-11 vertebrae, as well as punctured lungs.
Suné spent five weeks in the hospital and underwent fusion and decompression surgery.
After two months of recovery, she returned to work, but the trauma of the accident lingered.
“This crash changed my life. I am grateful to be alive, but the physical and emotional scars are real. More frustrating is knowing this accident could have been prevented if basic safety measures were in place,” shared Suné.
She said her accident was the third crash on that stretch of road on the same day.

Residents have long voiced concerns about ‘death bend’, citing daily accidents, some fatal. Despite petitions and calls for action, the road remains a danger.
Call for safety measures
In October 2019, Alberton residents, led by Charmain Peense and supported by Ward 94 Clr Marina van Wyk, signed a petition demanding safety measures, including warning signs, barriers, and better lighting. However, no significant changes have been made.
“Something must be done before more people get hurt or worse,” said Suné.
Her ordeal is a powerful reminder of the need for safety improvements at ‘death bend’.
Her voice joins the growing chorus of residents demanding immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
Municipality and infrastructure challenges
The Alberton Record contacted Ward 94 Clr Samantha Nair enquiring about the issue and she said, “The problem on this Mayberry Park road curve at the corner of JG Strydom and Ruby streets is not of the City of Ekurhuleni but of Rand Water.
“A Rand Water pipeline caused the curve passing beneath, thus damaging vehicles and municipal infrastructure,” explained Nair.
Regarding the lack of streetlights, the City of Ekurhuleni cited the soaring costs of repairing infrastructure, blaming much of the damage on vandalism, theft, and accidents.
The municipality revealed it spent approximately R120m fixing and replacing traffic lights during the 2022/23 fiscal year.
The Alberton Record has requested clarification from the city on whether the recent decision to replace damaged traffic lights with stop signs will affect the intersection at JG Strydom and Ruby streets.