Motorists travelling along Johan Rissik Road near the Marathon informal settlement in Primrose, Ekurhuleni, fear it is only a matter of time before tragedy strikes, following the appearance of a growing sinkhole on one of the busiest routes linking Germiston, Johannesburg, Bedfordview and surrounding areas.

Driving along Johan Rissik Road, motorists are met with yellow plastic barricades hastily placed to prevent vehicles from plunging into the sinkhole, which residents say first appeared more than a month ago. Two full lanes have been closed, forcing traffic into a single oncoming lane — a situation locals describe as extremely dangerous.

The sinkhole has disrupted daily life for residents of the Marathon informal settlement, many of whom live just metres from the damaged road. The road is also frequently used by informal traders, taxis, heavy-duty trucks and motorists travelling between key economic hubs in Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg.

The area surrounding the sinkhole is particularly concerning as it lies adjacent to a disused mining shaft, which residents say is being accessed by zama zamas (illegal miners). Community members fear underground mining activity could worsen the structural instability beneath the road. One resident said mining activities have led to some of their home contents, such as glasses, breaking.

Community leader Mduduzi Ntenge said residents were shocked when they first noticed the massive hole developing on the main road, dangerously close to their homes.

“This sinkhole has led to the road being partially closed, and motorists are now forced to use a single lane to avoid it. This poses a serious risk not only to road users but also to the shacks next to the road,” Ntenge said.

“Just last week, a truck became trapped in the damaged section of the road. If the road is not fully closed and repaired, more vehicles could plunge in and more shacks could collapse,” he warned.

Ntenge said he had alerted Ward Councillor Jeff Mthembu, who then escalated the matter to officials from the City of Ekurhuleni.

“This area used to be a mining belt. The section where the sinkhole occurred was once part of an active mine. Although the mine has been closed for more than 25 years, the underground tunnels may have weakened the ground and contributed to the sinkhole,” he said.

An informal trader who regularly uses the road to buy stock said the situation has left him fearing for his life.

“I use this road almost every day. As the sinkhole continues to expand, I fear that I or a loved one might fall inside one day,” he said.

The trader added that the road closure has also caused severe traffic congestion, with impatient motorists often taking risks to get through.

“Some drivers slow down to look at the sinkhole, others make sudden U-turns, and some drive recklessly. It is chaotic and dangerous,” he said.

African Times visited the site on Tuesday morning and observed heavy traffic congestion as a dual carriageway had been reduced to a single lane. The road is frequently used by large trucks transporting goods, taxis ferrying commuters, and private vehicles.

The team also witnessed motorbike riders dangerously manoeuvring within inches of the sinkhole, raising further concerns about the lack of enforcement and adequate safety measures.

Sinkholes are a growing concern in parts of Gauteng, particularly in areas with a history of mining activity. Experts warn that sinkholes can collapse without warning, swallowing vehicles, buildings and even people. They are often caused by underground erosion, leaking water pipes, heavy rainfall or unstable mine tunnels.

In recent months, motorists in Boksburg have been forced to detour following the emergence of a sinkhole along Rondebult Road, another major route affected by ground instability. That sinkhole led to extended road closures, traffic disruptions and safety fears, highlighting the serious consequences of delayed intervention.

Civil engineering experts have previously warned that sinkholes pose a significant risk to infrastructure and human life if not addressed promptly. In densely populated areas, particularly near informal settlements, the danger is even greater as ground collapse can extend beyond roads into residential areas.

African Times approached the City of Ekurhuleni for comment, requesting clarity on when the sinkhole first appeared, what immediate safety measures are being implemented, and whether nearby informal dwellings are at risk. However, by the 2pm deadline, no response had been received.

As motorists continue to navigate the compromised road and residents live in fear of further collapse, community members say urgent action is needed before the situation turns into a deadly disaster.

African Times will publish the City of Ekurhuleni’s response as soon as it is received.