Watch: Cyclist disappears into flooded pothole in Klerksdorp

A cyclist disappeared from view after hitting a water-filled pothole in Klerksdorp’s CBD, with CCTV showing the rider and bicycle swallowed by reddish-brown water, Joburg Etc reports.

The footage was shared by crime correspondent Yusuf Abramjee on X and has drawn attention to the risks created when rain, damaged roads and poor drainage meet.

There were no serious injuries reported in the source, although the clip offers a stark picture of how difficult some roads can become after heavy rain.

Klerksdorp CBD, NW. https://t.co/gUHWKwkfEH

Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 6, 2026

A problem with a long history

The City of Matlosana’s infrastructure records have previously flagged widespread road deterioration. Its 2016/17 annual report said more than 85% of its bituminous and block-paved roads showed signs of distress, while inadequate stormwater management was also identified as a contributor to road failure.

That connection between water and potholes is well established. CSIR road engineering expert Dr Phil Paige-Green has said, ‘There is no doubt that water is the primary cause of potholes.’

The municipality lists potholes, flooded roads and blocked stormwater drains among infrastructure issues residents can report.

The Klerksdorp footage may also remind South Africans of Helen Zille’s viral pothole swim in Johannesburg earlier this year, after which a three-year-old water-filled road hole in Douglasdale was repaired within days.