Lekwa Local Municipality finally closed a deep, sewage-filled trench on the edge of Nelson Mandela Drive, but only after a man drowned there in March.

A herdsman spotted the body floating in the cesspool on March 20 and alerted the authorities.

Helping to retrieve the body was one of the last tasks of former Standerton police spokesperson, Captain Braam Robberts, before he retired from the police.

“This sewage dam was finally filled the next day after almost two years. Under pressure from the police and the community, municipal workers set to work on March 21,” said Robberts.

According to Colonel Keith Africa, commander at the Standerton Police Station, the deceased has still not been identified, and the body remains in the morgue.

“The decomposition of the body led us to believe that the man had been in the water for quite some time. The post-mortem revealed that the man drowned, and an inquest investigation was opened,” said Africa.

Whether the man fell in or was thrown in is still unknown. There were no visible guard rails or safety barriers on the bridge to warn people of the danger.

Africa further mentioned that a taxi had previously also ended up in the same sewage trench.
Ward councillor Wilma Venter of the Freedom Front Plus confirmed this. She said the taxi fell into the trench late last year.

“Even before the taxi incident, we warned the council that the incredibly deep hole needed to be closed.

“This matter went to council, and two or three resolutions were taken in which municipal workers were instructed to close the hole. These orders were ignored.”

Venter said another item was then tabled in council to take disciplinary action and to hold the responsible officials accountable, but this was also ignored.

“Only when this man drowned did the municipality act. This was absolute negligence and irresponsibility from the municipality.”

Venter said the trench originated when a contractor hired to work on Vry Street was supposed to rebuild the road.

However, there was a setback when sewage continually flooded part of the road. The sewer pipes had to be dug open for repairs before the roadworks could continue.

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“This project is also incomplete, and the contractor upped and disappeared,” said Venter.

The municipality was asked for comment on Thursday, April 9. Lubabalo Majenge, spokesperson for the Lekwa Local Municipality, said on Friday afternoon that a response from the municipality is imminent.

In the meantime, the police have asked for the community’s help in identifying the victim, who was wearing denim and a dark shirt at the time of his death. He is described as an African man with a beard.

Anyone with information may contact the commander of the detectives, Captain Abraham Skhosana, on 076 942 3935.