Ormonde building tragedy: Call for construction company to come forward

PUBLIC Works and Infrastructure Development Minister Dean Macpherson has warned that the City of Johannesburg will demolish a collapsed building in Ormonde if the company responsible fails to come forward and take accountability, as the death toll rose to nine.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

Macpherson was briefing the media at the site yesterday afternoon.

He was joined by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and newly appointed City of Johannesburg Deputy Mayor Loyiso Masuku.

Nine bodies have now been recovered following the resumption of search-and-rescue operations in the morning, bringing the death toll to nine.

Some of the deceased were foreign nationals, including individuals believed to be from Lesotho. Operations were suspended on Monday night after six people were confirmed dead.

Two workers had remained trapped under the rubble on Monday, while one person was initially reported missing. All were later found deceased. Three people are recovering in hospital.

Macpherson expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and paid tribute to rescue workers.

“I also want to pay tribute to our brave rescue women and men who put their lives on the line to rescue those trapped under the rubble. They always rush into these situations, putting their safety second and the desire to save lives first,” he said.

“No words will ever be able to capture the pain of losing a loved one in such a devastating manner, particularly those who are breadwinners and working every day to support their families.