The Meltz family is blaming Johannesburg Water for what they describe as a preventable, life-threatening incident, which left an elderly couple without transport, income, or independence.

They are calling on the community to assist them in rebuilding their lives. On the evening of May 15, 2025, Max Meltz (73) was driving along Pretoria Avenue in Sandton, between Rivonia Road and Katherine Street, when his vehicle suddenly plunged front-first into a large open trench in the roadway.

The excavation, which residents say had been left open for months, possibly close to a year, was allegedly unbarricaded and without any warning signs, cones, or lighting at the time of the incident.

Read more: How to successfully claim from the Road Accident Fund

“I was driving normally, not speeding, on a road I’ve used many times before. There was absolutely no warning. One second I was on the road, and the next the car just dropped. I didn’t even have time to react.”

Emergency assistance was provided at the scene, and the vehicle was later declared a complete write-off. By sheer luck, Meltz survived the incident without fatal injuries, something his family believes could easily have ended differently.

“It could have killed me. If there had been signs or barriers, I would never have driven there. That trench should not have been left open like that.”

The loss of the vehicle has had devastating consequences for Meltz and his wife, both elderly government pensioners. The car was their only means of transport and their only way of earning a small supplemental income. “We used the car for everything, doctor’s visits, shopping, and giving lifts in our community to earn a little extra. Now we’re stuck at home. We’ve lost our independence.”

Their daughter, Gavin, said the emotional and financial impact on his parents has been severe. “They are now homebound and reliant on others for basic tasks. What hurts most is that this didn’t have to happen. It was completely preventable.”

Also read: In an accident? A guide on what your next steps should be

To make matters worse, the family’s claim against Johannesburg Water was rejected by its brokers, who alleged that adequate signage and barricades were in place at the time of the incident, a claim the family disputes.

“People who stopped to help my father that night can confirm there were no warnings at all. If there were, this accident simply wouldn’t have happened.”

The situation has been further compounded by the fact that the vehicle was uninsured, leaving the couple with no safety net and no immediate means of replacing it.

The family have launched a BackaBuddy campaign appealing to the community to help restore the couple’s mobility, dignity, and independence. “This is about helping two elderly people get their lives back. They survived something traumatic and are now paying the price for someone else’s negligence.”

Funds raised will be used to replace the vehicle, cover immediate transport needs, and assist with related costs such as licensing and registration.

Community members who wish to assist can support or share the campaign at: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-our-parents-become-mobile-again.

Fourways Review reached out to Johannesburg Water, more information will be provided once becomes available.

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