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R500 Near Carletonville Shut After Massive Sinkholes Destroy Road

The collapses followed days of heavy rain in a sinkhole‑prone stretch of Merafong.

Overview

  • Preliminary assessments by Gauteng Roads and Transport found that more than 80% of the affected roadway has caved in.
  • Authorities closed the section and dispatched technical teams to conduct a full safety evaluation of the route.
  • MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela urged road users to avoid the area, cooperate with officials and use alternative routes until further notice.
  • Spokesperson King Mthombeni advised motorists to obey closure signs and exercise extreme caution near the site.
  • Reports indicate about three new sinkholes formed after recent hail and heavy rainfall near Rooipoort Primary School, with officials noting Merafong and nearby Khutsong’s long-standing sinkhole risks.