Following the recent disappearance of businessman Gabriel Batista, the low-water bridge over the Komati River has been temporarily closed. Authorities and community organisations are planning for new safety measures.

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The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, has confirmed the closure and advised motorists to use the N4 as an alternative route. “The department has agreed to wait for the rain to stop and will then install a boom-gate to allow safe access to the bridge.”

During heavy rainfall, the bridge is often covered by floodwaters that have swept vehicles into the river. A similar incident occurred in December last year, when two SANDF soldiers on patrol drowned after their vehicle was swept away by strong currents.

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A multidisciplinary team consisting of the Komatipoort Business Chamber (KBC), the Nkomazi municipality, the DCSSL, Securicon and a local building contractor met on Thursday, May 7, to strategise safe crossing mechanisms.

KBC chairperson Jan Engelbrecht said plans include installing pillars with locked chains on both sides. A concrete barrier, supplied by Sanral, will close off the entrance nearest to the caravan park and water pumping station when water levels become dangerous.