By AGISANANG SCUFF
7 September 2026 – Residents in the Sol Plaatje Municipality in Kimberley have been urged to remain cautious as strong winds and rain continue to pose risks across the municipality this weekend.
The municipality’s Emergency Services responded to several weather-related incidents from Friday into Saturday morning, including eight reports of house rooftops being blown off by strong winds. The municipality said a shack fire was also reported in Santa, Galeshewe Township, in Kimberley while trees were uprooted and fell across roads.
The municipality warned that strong winds could cause further damage to structures, including rooftops and shack sheets being blown away.
The Sol Plaatjie Local Municipality spokesperson, Thabo Mothibi said failing trees as a result of strong winds could also disrupt electricity supply and create hazards for motorists and pedestrians. Mothibi said residents were further warned of possible localised flooding, with an 80% chance of rain forecast for Saturday.
“The municipality urged motorists to drive carefully on slippery roads with their headlights on and to avoid flooded subways and driving through water.
“The municipality also called on residents to exercise extreme caution when using heating methods to keep warm, particularly during the adverse weather conditions,” he said.
Mothibi added that residents who are in distress can contact Sol Plaatje Municipality Emergency Services for assistance.
The Guardian 