A Springbok fan died after he fell into a deep excavation on the pavement after the game at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday

A tragic incident on Saturday evening, after the Springbok game at Loftus Versfeld, highlighted the dangers posed by problems in the City of Tshwane.

A rugby spectator, who made his way back to his vehicle, fell into a deep excavation on the pavement outside the Javet Art Centre and later succumbed to his injuries.

The incident occurred as thousands of spectators were leaving the stadium and walking through the construction area after the match.

Although the relevant section of Lynnwood Road had been closed to vehicle traffic, it remained open to pedestrians.

Excavations, reaching depths of between four and five metres in places, were inadequately barricaded, creating a hazard for pedestrians.

Early indications are that the victim sustained severe head injuries. Doctors at the scene attempted to stabilise him, but he passed away shortly afterwards.

The South African Police Service has confirmed that an investigation into the man’s death is underway.

Two other spectators also fell into the trench. One was treated in hospital for broken ribs, while the other escaped unharmed.

The Freedom Front Plus visited the scene this morning and found that the excavations had not been properly demarcated or marked.

Willie Spies has offered his services as an attorney, pro bono, to the victim’s next of kin to institute a negligence claim against the City of Tshwane.

“Construction on Lynnwood Road has dragged on for years, delayed by tender irregularities,” Spies said. “This mismanagement has now resulted in the loss of life.”

Cilliers Brink has regularly warned about the problems

Cilliers Brink, the DA leader in the Tshwane Metro, has regularly warned about problems related to the region’s roadworks.

On Monday, 13 July 2026, he visited the site at the corner of Roper Street and Lynnwood Road, where a man tragically lost his life after falling into an open excavation.

The site now has numerous barricades. However, Brink said that they were not there on Saturday, when he went to watch the rugby.

“This did not have to happen. The DA has been raising concerns about the mismanagement of this project for months,” he said.

In October 2025, Councillor Samantha de la Rey submitted a formal question to the Tshwane Council about the incomplete project and the lack of progress.

On 29 June 2026, Councillors Tiaan Dippenaar and Siobhan Muller met with city officials and contractors on this same site.

Dippenaar warned that the safety measures in place were inadequate to protect pedestrians along Lynnwood Road between Herold Street and University Road.

“Despite that clear warning, this administration failed to act. This is a clear case of negligence,” Brink said.

“There must be accountability, and action must be taken to secure the site and ensure no one else is placed at risk.”