Residents, motorists, and pedestrians along Third and Melville roads in Hyde Park are being urged to exercise caution following reports of repeated underground bursts believed to be caused by a faulty electrical cable.
Haswel Zuma, a security guard at a nearby home, says he has witnessed and heard multiple bursts coming from beneath the pavement over the past two weeks. The blasts, which he suspects are linked to an underground cable, have reportedly produced loud noises and smoke, particularly during rainy conditions. “I have heard a big sound that comes from under the ground, very close to the pavement, where pedestrians walk, including school kids that walk from this road to Parktown High School.”
According to Zuma, the underground bursts have created a growing hole next to the pedestrian walkway. He believes water entering the damaged area may be worsening the problem.
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“I think it’s a cable from underground. It produces a very big sound and huge smoke. It normally happens numerous times during the day and night, especially when it’s raining. I do believe if water enters that hole produced by the blast, it will continue blasting until it creates a bigger hole.
“I believe that if this is attended to, it will save lives, because it is a life-threatening issue according to how we see it.”
Zuma attempted to flag down patrolling vehicles and approached workers from City Power who were working on streetlights in the area and was told to download the app and log the issue. “They told me actually to download an app and log. I’m not familiar with all those things, so I decided, ‘Let me do an alternative report to you. Perhaps something could be done’.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Local resident warns of repeated underground bursts along Third and Melville roads in Hyde Park, where suspected faulty electrical cables have caused loud blasts that intensify when it rains, resulting in a growing hole next to the pedestrian walkway used by residents and school children. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Localnews #johannesburg #sanews #SA #newsupdate #fyp #2026 #Servicedelivery #caxtonlocalmedia #SA #Localnews ♬ original sound Caxton Joburg North
“For now, I would appreciate if they can put tape that shows it’s a danger area, so that pedestrians don’t walk there.”
The publication reached out to City Power for a comment and an update will be provided once available.
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