Democratic Alliance demands transparency in George building collapse investigation

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape is demanding urgent transparency from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regarding the lingering investigation into the tragic building collapse in George that claimed 34 lives on 6 May 2024. Despite the passage of over a year since Premier Alan Winde handed over an independent structural engineering report to SAPS, there has been little progress in the criminal investigation, leading families and the local community to call for justice.

The catastrophic collapse of the building at 75 Victoria Street not only resulted in loss of lives but also left many injured, including Gabriel Guambe, who heroically endured 100 hours trapped beneath the debris. The anguish felt by the victims' families and the community is palpable, as they grapple with the ramifications of the tragedy. the DA is strongly advocating for their concerns to be addressed, urging the authorities to take immediate action.

Dirk Wessels, the DA’s Member in the Provincial Legislature (MPL) and spokesperson on infrastructure, expressed the party's discontent at the lack of progress. “It has been 21 months since 34 lives were lost. It has been over a year since SAPS received a critical structural engineering report that should have accelerated this investigation. However, we sit here today with no answers, no arrests, and no prosecutions,” he stated emphatically.

Earlier indications from SAPS suggested that the investigation would be wrapped up by November 2025; however, that deadline has since lapsed without any resolution. Meanwhile, the NPA, which has appointed a dedicated prosecutor for the case, remains silent on the matter, causing further frustration among the bereaved families and the greater George community.

The DA has committed to persistently pressuring both SAPS and the NPA to establish a clear timeline and to conclude this investigation without further delays. “The families of the victims and the people of George deserve nothing less than justice, closure, and the assurance that such a tragedy will never happen again,” added Wessels, echoing the sentiments shared by many in the community grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy.