The Merafong City Local Municipality is under fire after failing to explain how a dangerous open culvert near Wedela was left unmarked—an omission that led to a tragic accident and the death of Khutsong resident Anele Mnqayi on July 11.

Mnqayi was a passenger in a bakkie driven by his cousin, Mpumelelo Gaba, when the vehicle crashed into the culvert on the newly tarred Wedela road near the cemetery. The road had previously been closed due to a collapsed bridge but was recently reopened after resurfacing by a municipal contractor. All warning signs had been removed, and a new 80 km/h speed limit sign had been erected—despite the dangerous culvert still being unrepaired.

“I knew the road was previously closed, but when we drove past it on Friday night, I saw that it was open and looked new,” said Gaba. “I would not have used it if I knew there were problems. We do not live in the area, so I did not know that the bridge was still unrepaired.”

Gaba realised the danger too late, only seeing a heap of gravel at the end of the tarred surface. He swerved, but the bakkie crashed into the culvert. Gaba managed to escape and flagged down a passing vehicle for help. Sadly, Mnqayi, who was in his 50s, remained trapped. Emergency services had to cut the roof off the vehicle to retrieve him, but he had already died from his injuries.

The cousins had been on their way to Wedela to drop off money for one of Mnqayi’s four children when the accident occurred.

When the Herald visited the scene on July 17 with Gaba and opposition councillor Welile Fihla, municipal contractors from Centurion had just begun placing warning signs. One worker admitted the municipality had only contacted them after Mnqayi’s death.

Gaba, still recovering from the crash, had visible injuries and walked with a crutch. Though he suffered no fractures, he was covered in bruises, had painful ribs and knees, and required stitches.

“By today, the mayor had not even bothered to apologise to the family of the man who passed away because of the municipality’s negligence. This is a man-made disaster, certainly not a natural one,” said Fihla.

Mnqayi was laid to rest on Saturday.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Zikhona Sifuba confirmed that a case of culpable homicide is under investigation.

Despite multiple questions sent to the municipality’s marketing and communications manager, Temba Fezani, no response had been received by the time of publication.