Shoppers were left shocked and panicked after heavy rain caused a partial ceiling collapse at the Northgate Shopping Centre in Johannesburg.
In a video widely circulated on social media platforms on Saturday, water can be seen flooding the mall’s floor before a heavy deluge of water breaks the ceiling, almost like a raging waterfall.
Screams
Shoppers screamed when the ceiling caved in, and water rushed across the floor.
Northgate Shopping Centre confirmed that an incident took place at the centre following heavy rainfall in the area.
“No injuries were reported, and all affected areas were immediately secured and cordoned off as a precautionary measure. The centre remains open and trading as normal.”
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Heavy rainfall
The shopping centre said initial assessments indicate that severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and hail over a short period, contributed to water build-up in box gutters.
“This resulted in water overflow and an isolated partial ceiling collapse. Importantly, there has been no damage to the roof structure itself, and the overall integrity of the building remains sound.
“Our facilities and technical teams, together with relevant specialists, are actively assessing the impacted area as well as surrounding sections of the centre to determine the necessary repairs and ensure they are carried out safely and efficiently,” Northgate Shopping Centre said.
Safety
Northgate Shopping Centre reiterated that the safety and well-being of its shoppers, tenants, and staff remain their “highest priority, and all appropriate safety protocols are in place.”
“We will continue to provide verified updates as assessments progress and thank our community for their cooperation and understanding,” Northgate Shopping Centre said.
This happened at Northgate Mall, Randburg 🙆🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/r3yhD9fFVz
— Kgoshi Ya Lebowa (@Mothematiks) December 28, 2025
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Bad weather
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (Saws) has forecast partly cloudy and warm to cool conditions in the central and eastern parts of the country on 29 December, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers possible from the afternoon.
The weather service issued a yellow level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours in the central and southern parts of Limpopo, escarpment and Highveld of Mpumalanga, the extreme eastern parts of both the Free State and North West, northern parts of Gauteng and the coast and adjacent interior of KwaZulu-Natal.
Flooding
Expect flooding of susceptible roads, settlements and low-lying bridges or areas, excessive lightning and large amounts of small hail.
The western interior of the Northern Cape, and the western and southeastern parts of the Western Cape will experience very hot and uncomfortable conditions.
Gauteng residents can expect partly cloudy and warm conditions with scattered showers and thundershowers.
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