David Cook limped into the GCN’s offices recently.
Cook was on crutches after he fell down an open manhole on the corner of Fir Avenue and Peach Road in Primrose.
He explained that he had been walking down the road at about 6.30pm and had not seen the open manhole until it was too late.
He called for help but explained it was several minutes before anyone came to his aid.
A patroller from the Primrose Residents Against Crime (PRAC) came to help him.
Lalla du Preez, a manager for PRAC explained what happened, “One of our patrollers was stopped by a group of people who claimed a man had fallen down a manhole.
“He helped the man out of the manhole and assessed his injuries.
“It appeared that the man had serious injuries to his ankle and ribs.”
The patroller reported the incident to the PRAC headquarters, who then phoned for an ambulance.
Additional patrollers were also called to the scene to ensure Cook was comfortable while he waited for the ambulance.
Cook was treated at the Life Roseacres Clinic.
Following the ordeal, Cook’s main worry is the safety of others.
“I worry that a child could fall into the manhole and be seriously hurt,” he said.
The GCN sent a query to the Ekurhuleni Metro to find out if the metro was aware that the manhole was open, as well as when residents can expect the manhole to be closed, as it clearly poses a danger.
Despite numerous emails, no comment was received.
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