Minister wants George collapse investigators to assist with Verulam temple tragedy

PUBLIC Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has requested the SAPS investigative team from the Western Cape which led the investigation into the George building collapse, be made available to support and collaborate with the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS team responsible for the Verulam temple investigation.

- THOBEKA NGEMA

Last Friday’s structural failure in Verulam resulted in the deaths of five individuals and numerous injuries.

The George building collapse in May 2024 claimed the lives of 34 people and injured many others.

Macpherson emphasised the urgent need for accountability, saying that as long as the people are not held accountable, there is little incentive to comply.

“T hold the view that if people die through negligence, that is criminal, and there should be consequences for that?” Macpherson said.

“That's why we are so determined to protect the integrity of the George investigation, because 34 people cannot die on a site and there be no consequences, or you just lose your licence as an engineer or an architect or whatever.” Macpherson said society will refuse this response to such a tragedy.