Heavy snowfall blankets Impendle as motorists urged to stay off roads

Heavy snowfall has blanketed parts of Impendle outside Pietermaritzburg, with authorities urging motorists and community members to exercise extreme caution. The snow began falling heavily overnight and continued into Monday morning, according to Impendle Local Municipality. Motorists have been warned to take extra care on the R617 and P127, where roads are slippery and visibility has been reduced.

Residents have been urged to reduce their speed, maintain a safe following distance and avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary. Law enforcement officers and uMgungundlovu Disaster Management teams are on the roads monitoring traffic and responding to incidents. Community members have also been encouraged to remain indoors until conditions improve, with children and elderly residents urged to stay warm and away from exposed areas.

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma has assigned a roving Human Settlements team to work alongside the municipality and assist communities experiencing distress as the snowfall continues. The Impendle Local Municipality said it was continuing to monitor the situation and working with disaster management and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of residents.