Pothole causes vehicle damage on busy Winnie Mandela Drive
Local taxi drivers say the stretch has become increasingly hazardous, with some warning it is not the first time such incidents have occurred.
A driver was left shaken after hitting a pothole on Winnie Mandela Drive in Fourways. An incident that happened directly in front of the Fourways Review.
Janine Pearson, from the Woodmead area, was travelling along the busy road when she struck a deep pothole she did not see in time.
She said she had been concentrating on a faulty traffic light when the incident occurred.
Read more: Potholes multiply as water leak forces excavation of Broadacres Drive
“I didn’t see it at all. I was focused on the robot that wasn’t working, and then I just hit it. My tyre blew immediately. I am still shaken, but what can we do, this is what we get in terms of service I guess.”
She added that, although she is fine, the experience left her rattled, especially after having to call her husband for support moments after the damage occurred.
The incident has once again raised concerns about road safety in the area, with motorists pointing to ongoing issues with potholes and delayed repairs by the relevant authorities.
Taxi driver Sibusiso Mdluli, who was among those who witnessed the aftermath, said this was not an isolated case.
Also read: Province fixes dangerous R55 pothole after councillor posts X video
“This is not the first time something like this has happened here. We see it too often on this road, and it’s really sad. Honestly, I’m saddened by it. People are trying to make a living, and then something like this happens just like that.”
He added that many drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the route, are often caught off guard, particularly when visibility is poor and traffic lights are not functioning.
Mosa Makhalima, from Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), forwarded our media query to the Gauteng roads and transport department.
“Winnie Mandela Drive does not fall under the JRA’s jurisdiction, but Gauteng province department of roads and transport (GPDRT). Our colleagues from GPDRT will assist.”
We will publish their reply once we receive it.
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