Safety fears after bakkie crashes into trench in Birch Acres

Residents of Birch Acres have raised concerns following an accident that occurred near a local community park on Umsenge Street at around 18:00 on March 23.

According to information circulated in the community, Siyamasero Moyi crashed his bakkie into a trench left unattended by municipal officials after repairs to a burst pipe outside the Redeemed Haven complex.

Moyi said he was travelling home after visiting a nearby tavern and was driving at approximately 40km/h when his brake pads allegedly failed at a stop sign, causing him to lose control and crash into the water-filled hole.

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Despite the impact, Moyi managed to exit the flooded vehicle and sustained only minor injuries.

First responder Kopano Mahape said he was alerted to the incident by a friend and went to the scene to assist.

“We can’t help remove the car until the owners come back,” said Mahape.

Redeemed Haven complex building manager Jermina Phoshoko said this was the fourth accident to occur at the same spot.
She added that she has taken it upon herself to install white poles in the area to reduce the number of vehicles crashing into her property wall.

Phoshoko also raised ongoing concerns about the pipeline, saying it frequently leaks, negatively affects water pressure for residents in Birch Acres, and increases her water bill.

“The last time municipal officials acknowledged my burst water pipe grievance was on Thursday, February 12. They stated that the job was done, yet the hole was left unfixed,” said Phoshoko.

The city of Ekurhuleni has been asked for comment on the situation. Any communication received will form part of the follow-up reportage on the matter.