Investigation into George building tragedy still ongoing
Cape Town - The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will decide if anyone will be held responsible for the tragedy of the George building collapse.
This was disclosed by the police in the Western Cape, indicating that the investigation remains active.
A five-storey building in Victoria Street collapsed on May 6, where 81 construction workers were present, resulting in the deaths of 34 people and numerous injuries.
The event has been described as unprecedented, leaving residents and the broader Western Cape community in shock over the events that transpired in the Garden Route town.
Four months later provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie said the investigation into the tragedy was still ongoing.
Pojie said that statements have been collected from potential witnesses and people of interest.
All the bodies of the 34 deceased have been recovered from the debris and positively identified by their families. The site has been returned to the owner and is no longer classified as a crime scene.
Weekend Argus contacted Ryan du Preez, who is thought to be the legal representative for the developer Neo Victoria Developments, but has not yet received a reply.
Rescue teams took 11 days with the recovery, followed by additional days to clear the debris. During this period, several authorities launched investigations into the tragedy.
Among those is V3 Consulting Engineers, who are leading the Western Cape government's investigation.
Premier Alan Winde, who received an update on the George building collapse tragedy last month, remarked that the progress of the investigation is promising, particularly given the complexities inherent in such incidents.
He said: “We will continue to closely monitor our probe, as well as the others. It is vital that we get to the bottom of what caused this unthinkable tragedy so that those responsible – whoever they may be – are held to account and face the consequences of their actions, and that those affected by this disaster can find closure.”
The premier underscored the necessity of consolidating the findings from the various agencies' investigations to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the events.
“The WCG has a clear timeline in which it wants its processes to be concluded so that concrete and decisive action can be taken. While we know that many people want answers, we must ensure that all the correct processes are followed, and we will keep the public updated,” Winde said.
Jason Lloyd, spokesperson for the Department of Employment and Labour, said that their investigation remains ongoing.
Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers said: “The WCG has been clear with various investigating agencies that we will offer any assistance they may require to ensure that their investigations are as comprehensive and conclusive as possible.”
In June, the Engineering Council of SA placed an engineer responsible for overseeing the construction on precautionary suspension.
The council characterised this decision as a preventive measure aimed at safeguarding public health and safety from any potential or actual harm arising from engineering-related activities.
ECSA announced on Thursday that the investigation was still in progress while the registered individual remains on precautionary suspension.
byron.lukas@inl.co.za