Selborne Avenue yard collapse leads to new sinkhole in Region 4
The metro says the sinkhole is still expanding and that it will look into the overflowing sewer as a possible contributing factor.
Part of a resident’s yard on Selborne Avenue in Lyttelton Manor caved in on October 27, creating a sinkhole that continues to expand.
The metro has confirmed it is currently investigating the cause of the incident, including whether an overflowing sewer pipe on the property had contributed to the collapse.
WATCH: Selborne Avenue yard collapse
New sinkhole in Region 4
The metro says the sinkhole is still expanding and that it will look into the overflowing sewer as a possible contributing factor. pic.twitter.com/tOJHU0xEYQ— Pretoria Rekord (@RekordNewspaper) October 30, 2025
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said teams from the municipality were alerted to the incident on the same day.
He explained the sinkhole is still growing and was initially estimated at about 12m in diameter and 6m deep.
“The cause of the sinkhole is still under investigation, and the overflowing sewer on the property will be one of the factors we will look into,” said Mashigo.
He added that immediate measures have been put in place to address the blocked sewer pipe, while measures to secure the sinkhole are also being implemented.
Mashigo said barriers have been installed to cordon off the affected area and prevent further access.
“Support for affected residents will be determined once investigations and repair works are underway.”
The metro has erected a temporary fence to secure the area. Image: Supplied
He also confirmed that this latest incident brings the total number of sinkholes recorded in Region 4 to 60.
PR Councillor Wesley Jacobs, who arrived at the scene shortly after being alerted by the resident, said the sinkhole may have resulted from a blocked and ruptured sewer pipe underground, which weakened the sediment and caused the collapse due to the soluble dolomite in the area.
Jacobs said the resident told him such sewer blockages are becoming a recurring issue, happening more frequently each year.
WATCH: An ariel view showing how close the sinkhole is to the neighbours property.
Video: PR Councillor Wesley Jacobs pic.twitter.com/Ef4jEWdMT5— Pretoria Rekord (@RekordNewspaper) October 30, 2025
He confirmed that the sinkhole developed near the boundary wall of the resident’s property, which could potentially affect neighbouring houses if the sewer continues to overflow.
“The collapse destroyed the entire boundary wall, which was the only security protecting the property, exposing it directly to Trichardt Road and creating a significant safety hazard for the residents,” said Jacobs.
He said he immediately contacted all relevant city departments, which responded to resolve the situation.
With the assistance of the Regional Operations and Coordination department, a temporary fence was erected to secure the area and prevent potential trespassing.
Jacobs said he remains in constant communication with the affected resident as the situation continues to be monitored.
Ward 69 Councillor Cindy Billson confirmed that metro teams were at the site again on Wednesday, October 29, to manage the incident.
She said the geological report has not yet been finalised, but the area has been secured and the sewer line diverted to reduce any further damage.
Billson added that the Department of Roads and Transport will also be involved in securing the area along Trichardt Road to ensure public safety.
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