The Nkomazi Local Municipality has urged residents to avoid crossing bridges submerged by recent heavy rains affecting parts of Mpumalanga.
Authorities say some motorists have been removing warning signs and attempting to drive across the flooded structures, putting themselves at serious risk.
The ongoing downpours have also damaged several homes in the area. Municipal spokesperson Cyril Ripinga confirmed that at least 39 houses have been badly affected and warned that more properties could suffer as the rains continue.
“Our disaster management team is on the ground assessing the full extent of the damage,” Ripinga said. “Our bridges, particularly low-level ones, are overflowing. People cannot safely cross them, yet some are taking risks. This is a serious challenge for the municipality.”
Disaster management teams remain deployed across the municipality, monitoring conditions and working to provide support to affected families.