Wind causes huge tree branch to fall on house
DRD Gold Mine said it is aware of the incident and has been in contact with the affected family and relevant stakeholders
Heavy winds caused havoc for a Reiger Park family when a massive tree branch fell onto their house’s roof and damaged their belongings on January 24.
This follows part of the country bearing the brunt of tropical storm Eloise.
According to the owner of the house, Johnny Steyn (65), he was woken up by a loud bang at about 2.30am.
Steyn, who was with his 24-year-old son and 17-year-old grandson inside the house, woke up to find the house full of dust.
“The roof had collapsed and rain water gushed into the house. The whole roof was damaged. I was heartbroken seeing my house in that state. I couldn’t even sleep afterwards,” Steyn said.
According to Steyn, the tree is located on the DRDGOLD Limited property, which is situated at the back of the house. The home owner said he was happy that at least no one got hurt.
Steyn’s daughter, Lizzel van Staden, said the uprooted tree caused damaged to the roof, kitchen, dining room and the lounge. Some of the damaged items inside the house included the television set and couches.
When the Advertiser visited the house the following day, officials from the metro’s disaster management services and Ward 34 Clr Charlie Crawford were on the scene.
Speaking to the Advertiser, Crawford said DRDGOLD has agreed to remove the tree branch from the house and they will conduct an assessment of the damages.
“I also alerted the DEMS to assist the family in whichever way they can,” he said.
DRD Gold communications officer James Duncan, said: ” Ergo Mining (Pty) Limited (Ergo), a wholly owned subsidiary of DRDGOLD Limited, confirms that a fallen branch from a large tree on property owned by Ergo in Reiger Park, fell on to the roof of a privately owned residence in Reiger Park on January 24. Ergo representatives, together with Ward 34, Charles Crawford, have been liaising with the owner of the residence.”
Duncan said the owner has elected to remain at the residence in an adjoining dwelling.
” The damaged portion of the residence has been temporarily secured from the elements. The fallen branch has been removed and the damage to the residence’s roof and contents is being assessed with a view to repair and replacement,” he said.
He further said the tree from which the branch fell has been found to be diseased and this tree will be removed.
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