Political pressure mounts for justice in George building tragedy

One year has passed since the Western Cape Government completed and handed over its forensic investigation into the tragic George building collapse that occurred in May 2024.

As the investigation reaches an advanced stage, police have confirmed ongoing progress, yet political parties are increasingly vocal in their calls for accountability. The collapse claimed 34 lives and left 28 individuals injured.

In a statement, Chantelle Kyd, GOOD, George Municipality Councillor, said there has been no clear public outcome, no accountability, and no justice for the victims and their families, following the forensic report.

“A forensic report that gathers dust does not serve the public interest,” she said. “Lives were lost because systems meant to protect the public failed. Families were shattered.

"And a full year later, the people of George are still left in the dark about who will be held responsible.”

Kyd questioned why there has been no visible progress in the investigation and why there were no charges considered or recommended, including that no one was held accountable for the regulatory failures.

She called on the police and other role players to publicly account for the status of the investigation and whether criminal charges will follow, and to commit to concrete timelines for action.

In response to this, Premier Alan Winde’s spokesperson, Regan Thaw, said their office was supportive in working with the police with the technical findings in hand: "The report is now in the domain of the SAPS, which must consider both the findings of this independent report and all other evidence in their possession as part of the overall criminal investigation to determine if charges are to be brought.

"The technical findings in the report are of such a nature that the Western Cape Government believes they will significantly assist the SAPS investigation."

Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Christopher Spies said their office could not divulge much but that there was progress. “The inquest docket opened following the death of workers on the construction site is at an advanced stage. This is an ongoing police investigation,” he said.

In September, the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) had not received the full forensic report, citing its "sensitive nature."

Committee Chairperson Carol Phiri stressed the urgency of a joint stakeholder meeting and a public participation process in George, stressing the lack of accountability and suggesting reluctance to pursue the contractor due to legalities.

She noted the committee will view the sensitive report in camera (privately).

Last year authorities revealed the site been placed on auction. This follows the George Municipality confirming earlier that it had to withdraw its claim for recovery costs of R10 million due to the owners, Neo Victoria Development’s state of liquidation.

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