South Africa’s Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has ordered a full investigation into the collapse of a double‑storey building in Johannesburg’s Doornkop that killed three people and injured three others.
The building gave way in the early hours of Sunday while six people were inside. Three were trapped beneath the rubble before emergency services managed to recover survivors and bodies.
“As the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, we are committed to accountability and to ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to strengthen safety and oversight across the construction sector in order to protect both workers and the public,” Macpherson said.
“There will be a thorough investigation, and once all the facts have been established, appropriate action will be taken.”
He said the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure would cooperate fully with regulatory authorities to ensure safety standards are strengthened across the construction sector.
“We will respect due process and will cooperate fully with all regulatory bodies throughout the investigation.”
The minister has tasked the Council for the Built Environment with leading the probe to determine the cause of the collapse, identify responsible parties and recommend measures to prevent similar tragedies.
The collapse has reignited concerns over building safety in Johannesburg’s townships, where rapid construction often outpaces oversight.
JN/APA