Central SA
Sinkhole forces closure of R714 between Bethlehem and Warden─── ZENANDE MPAME 11:33 Mon, 26 Jan 2026
Motorists have been urged not to travel on the R714 from Bethlehem to Warden, as a sinkhole has formed 11km outside Bethlehem.
The department of community safety, roads and transport sent out a notice on Sunday (25/1) that the road would be closed until further notice. Drivers were urged to delay their travel or to use these alternative routes:
- From Bethlehem: Take the N5 to Kestell (48km), the R57 to Reitz, and then the R714 off-ramp to Warden (74km).
- From Warden: Take the R714 to the R57 off-ramp to Kestell (74km), then the N5 to Bethlehem (48km).
Residents suspect the sinkhole formed due to the area’s rainy weather. It might also be due to the large number of trucks using the road, while schoolchildren are also transported on it.
Road signs have been put in the sinkhole to alert motorists. Photo: Facebook/Isoldé Laesecke
“The road will be closed until further notice,” said Free State road incident management system chairperson Sipho Towa. “Your safety is our priority. Please plan ahead and follow alternative routes.”
A Bethlehem resident shared her experience on social media after being stuck in a sinkhole on the R714. “I got stuck in a sinkhole in the town a few years ago, but compared to the new one, it was just a small hole,” said Isoldé Laesecke.
“Just after the first message came through about the sinkhole, a chain reaction of calls and messages followed. People began to arrive, and things started to move. A water tanker arrived, cones were offloaded, and red tape was put up.
“It was a privilege to see how the team simply made things happen. People should take a look at the photos to get an idea of how big this sinkhole really is,” she said.
Arrive Alive suggests driving techniques to avoid accidents from striking sinkholes:
- Allow yourself the time and space to respond swiftly at the sight of a sinkhole on the road.
- Reduce speed or slow down when driving at night, in poor visibility, and on wet roads.
- Don’t brake directly over the sinkhole as this can actually cause more damage. Slow down before going over the pothole.
- Hold your steering wheel firmly while driving over a pothole or a sinkhole to avoid losing control of the car.
- While driving, be observant and look out for potholes and sinkholes. Avoid driving distracted.
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