Weekly Overview of Potch Incidents: Fires, Crime, Emergency Alerts & Community Safety - 4 September
- Karen Scheepers
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
All information below was compiled from trusted alerts, incident reports, public notices, and security updates as received by First Responders Potchefstroom and affiliated networks. This report includes fire warnings, road incidents, criminal activity, safety campaigns, and infrastructure updates from Potchefstroom and surrounding areas.
26 August: Safety Training & Road Incident Notices
Basic Fire Fighting Training Announcement: Residents were invited to register for the Basic Fire Fighting Training course aimed at workplace and personal safety. The course will teach the use of fire equipment, prevention, and control procedures.
Operation Basadi – Interprovincial Law Enforcement: Under the Operation Shanela II banner, a women-led interprovincial roadblock was conducted on the N12 border between Gauteng and North West:
370 vehicles stopped
432 persons searched
29 fines issued, totaling R17,300
Suspect database and vehicle tracking included
27–29 August: Road Damage & Multi-Lane Obstruction
Albert Luthuli Slipway Hazard (27 Aug): Damage to road surfaces and loose bricks at the slipway from Albert Luthuli to Govan Mbeki was reported. Motorists were urged to proceed cautiously.
Major Accident – 29 August: A vehicle crash at Albert Luthuli and Molen Streets obstructed three lanes. Emergency responders were on scene. Drivers were asked to avoid the area.
30–31 August: Delays and Nighttime Road Risks
Heavy Vehicle Recovery (30 Aug): A recovery operation for a heavy-duty vehicle occurred near N12 and MC Roode, causing traffic delays inbound from Johannesburg.
Vehicle Accident – N12 Klerksdorp Direction (31 Aug): A crash occurred approximately 2km outside Potchefstroom. Emergency services responded swiftly.
1 September: Suspect Apprehended – Bult Area
Officers from Mooirivier Beskerming and Cachet Park CID arrested a suspect in Jooste Street attempting to break into a vehicle. The arrest, made on 30 August around 19:15, was hailed as an example of swift response and collaboration in the community safety sector.
2 September: Street Scams Awareness & Murder Investigation Appeal
Public Scam Warning: Residents were cautioned about five common street scams, including:
Change swindles at ATMs
Pickpocket distractions ("bump & grab")
Fake officials collecting "on-the-spot" fines
Too-good-to-be-true offers
Taxi/lift-based robbery setups
✔️ Reminder: Never share banking info, avoid public withdrawals, and report suspicious individuals.
Unsolved Murder – Police Request Info: SAPS Potchefstroom is seeking witnesses in the case of Julian Richard, stabbed to death near the Klerksdorp bridge on 28 June 2019.Contact Warrant Officer Lungile Plaaitjie: 082 779 7200 or Crime Stop: 08600 10111.
2–3 September: Fire Risk Escalation & Municipal Water Crisis
FDI Status: RED (2 & 3 Sep):The Fire Danger Index (FDI) for both days remains at the RED – Extremely Dangerous level.
Temps between 7–33°C
Wind gusts up to 43km/h
NO open fires allowed under any circumstances. Residents are urged to avoid outdoor flames, and report any sign of fire immediately.
Water Disruption Alert (3 Sep):JB Marks Municipality issued a public notice of a mechanical breakdown at Pump 5 (Ventersdorp Road Main Station).Areas affected by reduced water pressure:
Kannoniers Park
SANDF & Witrand Hospital
Dassierand, Promosa, Mohadin
Ikageng Extensions
Eesterandjies ReservoirsResidents were asked to use water sparingly while repairs are underway.
3 September: Vehicle Fire, Road Obstruction & Community Safety
Heavy Motor Vehicle on Fire – N12 Britskop: A HMV caught fire near the N12 towards Klerksdorp at Britskop. Drivers were advised to approach with caution.
Stones Deliberately Placed – MC Roode: At approximately 21:00, rocks were deliberately placed on MC Roode Road. Neighborhood Watch removed the hazard. No injuries were reported.
Fire Extinguisher Announcement: EB’s Hardware announced the arrival of an all-in-one fire extinguisher suitable for multiple fire types, including electronics, lithium batteries, and kitchen fires.
Final Note
This past week in Potchefstroom saw fire conditions reaching extreme levels, resulting in a full ban on open burning. Infrastructure failures, emergency rescues, and increasing crime vigilance continue to define the region’s challenges. Collaborative law enforcement operations and swift community responses remain critical to managing these risks and keeping residents informed and protected.
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