Law enforcement agencies in the North West have warned motorists not to cross flooded roads and bridges after police divers had to rescue a number of drivers trapped in their vehicles or swept away.

The worst affected areas in the province include areas around Vryburg and Taung, following heavy rain over the long weekend. 

The N14 between Vryburg and Kuruman, the N18 near Tigerkloof as well as the road between Schweizer-Reneke and Bloemhof have all been closed.

Spokesperson for the Provincial Department of Community Safety Alpheus Koonyaditse says the Tamasikwa, Takaneng and Qho villages are completely isolated and unreachable due to submerged bridges cutting off all road access.

“Taung Dam is reported to be overflowing which may exacerbate the situation in surrounding villages of Cokonyane, Modimong, Manthe and Kolong. Law enforcement alongside other government stakeholders are still assisting motorists and assessing the situation. It has unfortunately come to the attention of the Department that some motorists have ignored an advisory and drove through flooded roads. Some of these motorists were stranded midway and were ultimately rescued by the law enforcement officers.”

#sapsNW Police in the North West province urge community members to exercise extreme caution around dams that are filled to capacity, as well as overflowing rivers and flooded roads, following heavy rainfall, particularly in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, which borders… pic.twitter.com/KWnPZn2FDN

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) May 1, 2026

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