On-site investigations into the collapse of the building site in Victoria Street in George have concluded.
The five-storey building site on 75 Victoria Street collapsed on 6 May, resulting in 34 deaths. A total of 260 hours were spent on rescue efforts.
Also read: Several construction sites closed following George building collapse
Several investigations were launched to determine the cause of the collapse, including by the Western Cape Government (WCG), the Department of Employment and Labour and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The site was officially declared a crime scene on 17 May.
Sergeant Chris Spies, spokesperson for the Southern Cape police, said an inquest docket had been opened and that the SAPS finished their investigations of the site.
‘An inquest docket was opened at the time of the incident when the first victim was retrieved from the debris. This investigation is still underway. The investigation at the construction site was concluded.’
He told George Herald that evidence gathered at the site forms part of the investigation. All 34 deceased were formally identified and the last body was handed to the next of kin on Monday, 10 June.
David Esau, the provincial chief inspector for the Department of Employment and Labour, said their investigations also concluded and the site has been handed over to the landowner.
However, he added that investigators were struggling to get in touch with people who still needed to be interviewed.
‘We are currently busy with the investigation and because of the number of people to be interviewed we cannot attach any time frames,’ he said, adding that the department is considering asking investigating officers to either visit those people in their respective countries or ask them to return to South Africa.
Chantèl Edwards, head of communications at George Municipality, said the municipality is not responsible for the investigations and thus not privy to the outcomes thereof.
According to Ryan du Preez, the attorney of property developer Neotrend, engagements on the ‘best path forward for the site’ are ongoing. George Herald reports that community members have asked that the land be converted to a public memorial garden.
‘While specific details are still being finalised, we give the assurance that more information will be shared with the community in due course,’ he said.
Also read:
George building collapse: WCG investigation gains momentum, says Winde
Picture: George Municipality / Facebook