MEC MORWENG EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF A 12-YEAR-OLD CHILD WHO HAD BEEN SWEPT BY FLASH FLOODS IN TAUNG

The MEC for the North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Wessels Morweng is extending heartfelt condolences to the family of a 12-year-old child who had been swept by flash floods in Taung following torrential rain.

The children were reportedly playing outside around 17:30 on Sunday afternoon when she was swept by low current and drowned. The police divers were called and later discovered her lifeless body.

Heavy rains in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District have caused widespread flooding leading to the closure of N14 between Vryburg and Kuruman. N18 between Vryburg and Taung which has been closed has since been opened and drivable for now.

Villages that been affected include Kgomotso, Madithamaga, Ga-Taote, Thota-ya-Tau, Spitskop, Mammutla, Kameelput, Choseng, Mokasa, Mokgareng, Matlapaneng, Qho!, Choseng, Vaaltyn, Tamasikwa and Takaneng.

The areas which had also been inaccessible which this morning we declared safe include Shaleng, Madipelesa and Mountain View.

Some local bridges have collapsed having been submerged for almost a week. These include the Mokgareng bridge on the road between Taung and Reivilo and in Shaleng village.

The challenge still being experienced on N14 between Vryburg and Kuruman is that despite advisories and warning barricades, some motorists continue to ignore all these and some have even been threatening towards law enforcement officers.
All these, unfortunately with near catastrophic consequences. On several occasions, some of these incalcitrant motorists had been stranded midway in the water puddle and had to be rescued by law enforcement officers.

The Department is hereby once again pleading with motorists to work with law enforcement officers who are as of today, stationed for 24 hours at the submerged section of N14 between Vryburg and Kuruman. The South African Weather Service is predicting further rain from today and this may exacerbate the situation.

The situation is being continually monitored and regular updates will be shared with affected communities.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SAFETY AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT