Early assessments by the City’s Fire and Rescue Services Department have confirmed that about 50 structures have been damaged by strong winds in the Tafelsig area in Mitchells Plain on Tuesday morning.
Locals in community-based groups on social media began sharing news of damage to properties in the early morning hours, claiming that a tornado may have hit the area.
The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre noted that while it cannot confirm whether the incident was the result of a tornado, it was able to confirm that “high-velocity winds” caused damage to properties.
“This situation is fluid and more information will be made available as it comes to hand,” said Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson, Charlotte Powell.
Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, confirmed that emergency teams responded to calls for assistance and noted that several structures were damaged in and around Maanskynkop Street.
“At approximately 04:35 on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, reports were received of damage to properties in Maanskynkop Street, Tafelsig. Crews from Mitchells Plain, Bellville, and the Incident Management Team (IMT) Type 5 were dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, crews found that several houses had sustained damage, with roofs having been blown off. At this stage, it is estimated that approximately 50 structures in and around Maanskynkop Street have been affected,” said Carelse.
No injuries were reported as a result of the winds, but Carelse noted that one woman was treated for shock.
Carelse added that emergency personnel would continue to monitor the situation.
The South African Weather Service has been contacted for clarification on whether a tornado occurred, and its response will be added to this article once received.
