According to the municipality's spokesperson, Solomzi Phama, over 30 houses may be affected, with a portion of the township also affected. 

He says the water has swept away belongings of residents and some of them have since been relocated to the nearest farm in that area. 

He, however, says they cannot confirm if there were any causalities or not because they are struggling to access the affected area. 

"We are aware of the situation. It was reported but [there are] no full details as yet, and the police are still gathering more details," police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, told OFM News.

Pictures and videos purporting the incident in that area have been widely shared on social media. 

Free State Premier, Sisi Ntombela's spokesperson, Palesa Chubisi, says disaster management teams have been dispatched. 

Chubisi adds Ntombela is also looking into other measures.

Phama says they hope that help from the provincial government will be afforded as quickly as possible to avoid any further damages. 

Phama adds that he is not sure what might have led to the burst of the mine dam in that area. Police and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are currently on scene to assist.

OFM News