Cape Town — The Western Cape Police Commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, has confirmed that an experienced team of detectives are probing the deaths of the 33 victims in the George building collapse.
On Friday afternoon, rescue operations were brought to an end, marking 260 hours of rescue operations and intense searches for bodies. In total, 33 people lost their lives, while 29 people were found alive and pulled from the rubble. A further 10 survivors remain in hospital.
The George Municipality spokesperson, Chantel Edwards, confirmed the municipality’s rescue operations have ceased and that the investigation now lies with the South African Police Services (SAPS), SABC News reported.
“The public is advised that official investigations into the incident are being undertaken by SAPS, the Department of Labour, the Department of Infrastructure, and an independent structural engineering firm appointed by the Western Cape Government.” she said.
She also urged people to not interfere with the investigation by spreading any fake news.
The building collapse site in George is officially in the hands of the SAPS and the Labour Department. Rescue teams spent 260 hours searching for survivors and retrieving bodies after a multi-storey building caved in last Monday. Newzroom Afrika’s @Sipha_Kema has the latest.… pic.twitter.com/b8Wuh4kOfP
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) May 18, 2024
According to a SAPS statement, the post-mortem reports as well as reports from other department are all part of the ongoing probe. While the Department of Employment and Labour continue their investigation, the site as been secured.
“Western Cape police management commended the multidisciplinary team for their efforts during the operation. He also lauded Police members deployed, especially the role of K9 and SAPS search and rescue personnel for their contribution to the rescue and recovery efforts.” police spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie said.
According to EWN, two bodies retrieved from the rubble are yet to be identified. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said that a provincial government probe in full swing.
“This was a devastating tragedy, and we need to understand what happened, what steps need to be taken to ensure that we do whatever is necessary so that this will never happen again. But also, that we get to hold those responsible to account.”
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
