The spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Moeti Mmusi, confirmed that two accidents have been reported on the N4 so far. One near the Viva Garage in Emgwenya (formerly Waterval Boven) and the other in Elands Valley between Waterval Onder and the Waterval Boven tunnel. No fatalities were reported.

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“I would like to call on motorists to drive with extreme caution when visibility is low, such as when there is a storm. If possible, they should postpone their travel plans. Always keep a reasonable distance or stop on the side of the road until the storm has passed,” said Mmusi.

“Trees and power line poles have been reported to have fallen on the road. Motorists are advised to drive with caution to avoid accidents, especially when they are approaching the areas where accidents have already taken place. Emergency personnel are on the scene to monitor the situation, but at this stage all the roads are open for traffic,” he said.

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Meanwhile, City of Mbombela (CoM) spokesperson Joseph Ngala confirmed that some areas experienced power outages due to the storm.

The power has been since restored in most of the affected areas in Mbombela, however, Eskom’s technicians as well as those of the CoM are monitoring the situation to ensure that all the residents have electricity.