Man injured after falling into a hole on Corundum Street
A local resident was hurt after falling into this hole in Corundum Street in Laboria, injuring an arm and a leg.
POLOKWANE – Security guard, Moses Selepe, was on his way home from work last Saturday morning when he fell into a hole in Corundum Street, Laboria at approximately 02:00.
He says he was walking on the pavement when suddenly, the ground gave way and he fell into a hole over two metres deep.
“It was late and as there were no working street lights. I decided to walk on the pavement and I didn’t see the hole,” Selepe told Review. “The hole was deep. I injured my arm and leg during the fall and had a lot of difficulty getting out,” he continued.
He says because of his injury; he hasn’t been able to go to work.
“I’m off from work due to the accident and that is all because the municipality is not looking after its residents,” Selepe said. According to Selepe and business owners in the area, there are no caution or warning signs near the hole.
Business owners in Laboria spoke to Review saying they are angry with the municipality for removing the skipper bin that covered the hole, several months ago.
“People keep dumping rubbish here and it is not only an eyesore and a hazard, but will also attract pesky insects and rodents when it gets warmer,” says Danie Britz, manager of a shop in the area.
They say people dump their rubbish in the hole and the municipality collects it with machinery that picks up earth along with the rubbish, creating a bigger and deeper hole each week.
Polokwane Municipality Spokesperson, Matshido Mothapo, told Review anyone involved in an accident of this nature can contact the municipality at (015) 290 2000 and, depending on the complaint, get in contact with the department responsible. The matter can also be reported at the office of the municipality at the corner of Landdros Maré and Bodenstein Street.
She added that injuries may only be reported if the incident took place where the municipality is working or have a contractor working.
“The plaintiff must consult a doctor and provide documented proof of their injuries to claim from the municipality,” she said.
The hole has since been closed by Municipality.
