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Established 1991
Wednesday, 9 April 2025
Parts of city always fall victim to heavy rainfall
Drainage catastrophe TEBOHO SETENA
Continued heavy downpour has several roads within the Mangaung Metro resembling rivers and streams, affecting residential areas in low-lying parts. No incidents of death have been reported, while the latest heavy rains have however wreaked havoc, exposing drainage problems around the city, with several roads flooded. The continued rainfall following sudden, intense rainfall reportedly affected about 35 families in flood-prone areas in Bloemfontein’s township of Bergman Square on Friday, 4 April. The families all had their homes flooded, says Claudia Mangwegape, manager of the Red Cross Society in the Free State. She said the accounts of incidents involving the flooding of houses have increased in Bloemfontein, especially in flood-prone areas. She continues warning people to be on
high alert. Numerous streets in the Bloemfontein townships, where road maintenance has been neglected, are not easily accessible due to flooding. Incidents of flooding have spread to the townships Peter Swart and Mafora. Mangwegape said one house in Mafora was severely flooded, with water seeping from under the foundation, raising suspicions of poor workmanship in the construction of the foundation of the private property. She said volunteers of the Red Cross humanitarian organisation were on the ground since Friday to monitor the situation. Mangwegape said places that were prone to flooding were not habitable for people to stay. “However, with schools opened and many children back to schools, it is critical for parents to accompany their children and keep track of their movements, as we have several waterlogged areas, including strong-flowing streams,” said Mangwegape. “We urge parents to strongly
discourage their children from playing near any areas where there is water; and to not even attempt to cross.” Owners of properties – particularly around the Maselspoort area, extending to farms and holiday resorts – have been warned to also remain on high alert, with the Maselspoort Dam overflowing as from Friday. The water level in the Modder River has also risen. Continued heavy rainfall has seen the subway in Fort Street near Centlec in Bloemfontein submerged again. The subway, of which the drainage system is dysfunctional, is prone to flooding during torrential rainfalls. The subway is notorious for having vehicles stuck in water. Residents are accustomed to the subway flooding, sometimes paying heavy costs and risking their lives, ignoring the danger of driving through the flooded subway. Motorist are warned to not risk driving through the submerged subway and underestimate the depth of water, which gradually increases.
A section of Atherstone and Maasdorp Street in Bloemfontein’s East End industrial area resembles a swimming pool following the heavy rainfall. The drainage on the corner is blocked, and water has streamed within the area of a fuel station, and down Mc Gregor Road. See more photos on p. 3. Photo: Supplied
Possible copper syndicate busted thanks to tip-off from concerned citizen TEBOHO SETENA The Bloemfontein Flying Squad’s prompt reaction on information received from a concerned citizen led to the recovery of copper cables and the arrest of ten suspected copper syndicate members at a private residency in Heidedal, Bloemfontein. Caught early on Wednesday, 2 April, the suspects include three illegal immigrants.
Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, provincial police spokesperson, said copper cables had been discovered at a residence situated in Dr Belcher Road. The police were alerted by an observant informer who spotted eight men offloading copper cables from a white Ford Bantam bakkie at the private residence. “Upon their arrival, members observed through a bedroom window
and saw the room filled with copper cables. When officers called for the occupants to come out, one male suspect emerged. It was also discovered that there were more people in the house. Upon entering the house, police discovered nine more suspects, including two females. A further search of the premises revealed substantial quantities of rolled copper cables in the bedroom, toilet and
dining room. Further investigation determined that three of the male suspects are illegal immigrants,” said Kareli. “The seized copper cables, worth an estimated R125 000, are believed to be the property of Centlec. The two vehicles suspected of being used in the commission of the crime have been impounded.” He said the suspects faced charges
including possession of suspected stolen property and damage to essential infrastructure. Kareli said three men found to be illegally in South Africa face an additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act. The suspects’ ages range from 19 to 44 years. They are due to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court this week, while the police continue with investigation.