Following the South African Weather Services’ Level 9 rain warning, several trees fell across Brackendowns and Mayberry Park on Sunday morning. Still, thanks to swift action by the Brackendowns Community Policing Forum (CPF), the roads were cleared with minimal disruption.

Werner van Wyk, public relations officer of the Brackendowns CPF, confirmed that one tree fell on Linda Street in Brackendowns, while two trees blocked Besembos Street in Mayberry Park.

“Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage to property,” he said.

The team, which included six CPF members working alongside React 24 Security, started clearing the roads just after 10:10 and had all trees removed by 11:20.

“It took approximately 15 minutes per scene,” van Wyk explained. Chainsaws were used to cut up the trees, and vehicles removed stumps and branches from the road.

Although several roads were temporarily blocked, traffic resumed normally once the debris was cleared. The community showed appreciation for the team’s quick response, with one resident in Besembos Park even helping sweep the road after the tree was removed.

Van Wyk highlighted that the team had been on high alert since Saturday night, anticipating the heavy rainfall.

“Our team stands out because we genuinely care, and we’re always ready to step in and get the job done,” he said. Previous efforts in similar situations have also earned the team recognition.

Safety tips for residents during heavy rains:

• Avoid driving on roads with fallen trees or flooding.
• Slow down and increase the distance between vehicles when visibility is poor.
• Report blocked roads to local authorities or the CPF immediately.
• Stay clear of trees that appear unstable or are leaning dangerously.
• Ensure children and pets are kept indoors until the storm passes.

The Brackendowns CPF’s dedication and readiness once again ensured the community stayed safe and traffic flowed smoothly despite the storm.

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