WATCH | Motorists caught in floods following Mpumalanga downpours

Heavy rains have battered Emalahleni (Witbank) in Mpumalanga, leaving certain areas flooded on Friday.

The SA Community Crime Watch Group operations co-ordinator, Maureen Scheepers, said they had received several reports about inaccessible roads.

In some incidents, vehicles had been swept away by floodwaters. 

"We received about five calls this morning where vehicles were trapped. When we responded to those calls, we found the motorists had managed to get out of their vehicles so it was just vehicles that need to be towed out," said Scheepers. 

She urged motorists to be cautious. 

“Be vigilant when approaching these pools of water. Avoid crossing the gathered water pools. Reduce your speed, switch on your headlights and keep a safe following distance,” Scheepers advised.

“For any water-based emergencies, please contact the NSRI Witbank direct on 060 962 2620,” she said.

In some areas, residents were trapped in their homes as flooded roads prevented them from leaving their properties.

Roads that were affected include OR Tambo Drive at the entrance to Highveld Park, the R555 (known as the Old Middelburg Road), Eadie Bridge in the CBD, and roads in parts of Bankenveld and Jackaroo Park. 

One resident said lightning had struck his property.