Johannesburg – Shoppers at Johannesburg’s Northgate Shopping Centre were left panicked after heavy rain caused an isolated partial ceiling collapse, sending water flooding through part of the mall.
Videos shared on social media on Saturday showed water pouring through the ceiling as shoppers screamed and rushed away.
The shopping centre confirmed the incident, saying no injuries were reported and affected areas were immediately secured and cordoned off. Management said the centre remains open and trading as normal.
According to Northgate Shopping Centre, severe weather — including heavy rainfall and hail over a short period — led to water build-up in box gutters, causing overflow and the ceiling collapse.
“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,” The Citizen quoted the Northgate Shopping Centre.
28/12/2025
*Northgate Mall Randburg,JHB*Ceiling boards falls at Northgate Shopping Mall in Randburg, Johannesburg following heavy downpours pic.twitter.com/hcNQhdxP5A
— 🔞 SA911 (@Zulu72944051488) December 29, 2025
“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.”
The roof structure itself was not damaged, and the overall integrity of the building remains sound.
Technical teams and specialists are assessing the affected and surrounding areas to determine necessary repairs, with management stressing that shopper, tenant and staff safety remains the top priority.
On December 27, a minor ceiling collapse occurred in a walkway area at Northgate Mall, Roodepoort.
The area was immediately secured, and no injuries were reported.
Repairs are underway. pic.twitter.com/cVOdJtv2jI
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) December 28, 2025
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has warned that severe thunderstorms, heavy downpours, hail and possible flooding are expected to continue in parts of Gauteng and other provinces, with a yellow level 2 warning in place.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
