SLOVO Park residents have taken it upon themselves and closed the Golden Highway between Eldorado Park, Lenasia and Eldorado Park.
The residents used rocks and tyres to barricade the road on Monday, 9 October, preventing motorists from passing through.
This was after the potholes on the road allegedly formed into a sinkhole.
The sinkhole, which takes almost the whole lane, is situated on the bridge. From it, one can see water flowing from the Klipspruit River.
The angry residents told Daily Sun that the area had become a spot for crime and many accidents were happening due to the sinkhole that had been left unattended for a year.
Colbert Maduna (61), a Slovo Park resident, said they have closed the road because the sinkhole has been forming since the heavy rains emerged last year.
“Until today, nothing has been done about the sinkhole. Our brothers and sisters who use this road are under siege. There are always accidents happening because of this hole that has taken the whole lane,” Maduna said.
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He explained that most accidents occur during the night since it is dark, and some motorists are unfamiliar with the road and unaware of the sinkhole.
“We have formed structures with the neighbouring communities and closed the road. We agreed that since nothing has been done about the road yet, we might as well close it for people’s safety,” added Maduna.
Maduna further said the road is busy and urged the government to come on board and do the right thing, fixing the road.
Nomanisi Molemohi (45) told Daily Sun that she lost her brother in August when he was shot and killed while walking down the bridge in July 2023.
“It is sad that this road has now become a spot for crime. Now that there are no cars passing by, it is even worse. We closed this road and will not open it until it is fixed,” said Molemohi.
She added that with the road being closed, children cannot go to school and must accompany those who go to work in the morning to avoid getting mugged.
Department of Roads and Transport head of communications Melita Madiba said that she is aware of the Golden Highway closure.
