Mammoth potholes on R538 in Masoyi lead to crime
The potholes at the traffic circles on the R538 are enticing criminals to attack motorists.
Mammoth potholes at two traffic circles on the R538 in Masoyi, have been unattended to for more than six months, leading to motorists being targeted by criminals.
The two traffic circles in question, on the R538, are situated towards the Numbi Gate to the Kruger National Park.
According to motorists and residents in the area, the potholes have frequently been reported to the Department of Public Works Roads and Transport (DPWRT), but nothing has been done to fix them.
Velly Mbowane, a Masoyi local, said he reported the potholes in September last year, after being robbed at gunpoint while slowing down.
“The potholes are so big, the vehicles cannot pass through. When approaching the area, drivers need to slow down.
ALSO READ: R538 in Masoyi reopens after protests
That is how I was robbed. They waited for me at the circle next to the Ntsikazi Clinic. As I slowly drove over the circle, they approached the car, pointed their guns at me and demanded I open the doors. They stole my phone, wallet and laptop,” Mbowane said. This incident could have been avoided if the potholes were not there.
Another victim, Sylvia Chauke, said: “The potholes are very bad. When it’s raining they are filled with water and you cannot risk driving through them. I was robbed at the Swalala circle on April 13 by two men. They waited for me to approach the circle. I realised they meant harm. They fired some shots, instructing me to open the car. I thought they wanted the car but they demanded money and my phone.” Chauke urged the DPWRT to fix the potholes for the safety of the people who voted for them.
ALSO READ: City of Mbombela’s Service Delivery Drive delayed by rain
A tour guide in the area, Rufus Makwela, said: “We transport tourists on that road. We are forced to drive over the circle or use the oncoming lane. The R538 connects Hazyview and White River and it leads to the Kruger National Park. It should be a priority to fix them.”
The DPWRT’s spokesperson, Bongani Dhlamini, acknowledged having received Lowvelder enquiry for feedback. and promised to revert back to us, however, by the time of going to press we had not received his comment.
