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Nine dead in Ormonde building collapse as authorities search for owner
Johannesburg is grappling with another devastating building disaster after a structure collapsed at Amethyst Business Park in Ormonde on Monday, claiming nine lives and leaving three others injured.
Authorities have now confirmed that all twelve people believed to have been inside the building at the time of the collapse have been accounted for. The victims include both South African and Lesotho nationals.
As the dust settles at the scene, attention has quickly turned to accountability, safety regulations, and the troubling pattern of building failures in the city.
All victims accounted for
Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero visited the site alongside city officials during an oversight inspection this week. Following the visit, the City confirmed that every person who had been inside the structure when it collapsed has now been identified.
Nine people tragically lost their lives in the incident. Three survivors who were injured during the collapse are currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.
City officials say their immediate focus remains on supporting the families of the victims and ensuring that next of kin are formally notified through the appropriate channels.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many residents expressing grief and anger on social media as news of the deaths spread.
Police investigation now underway
Control of the site has officially been handed over by the City of Johannesburg to the South African Police Service. Police will now conduct a formal investigation into what caused the collapse.
Once the police complete their forensic and investigative work at the site, the scene will be transferred to the Department of Labour. That department is expected to carry out a separate investigation into workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
Authorities have emphasised that determining the cause of the collapse will require careful examination and that speculation at this stage could hinder the investigation.
Minister calls on owner to step forward
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean McPherson has urged the owner of the company responsible for the building to come forward and cooperate with authorities.
He stressed that identifying who built the structure and understanding how the project was approved will be central to the investigation.
The minister also appealed to members of the public who may know the company responsible to contact the police or local law enforcement.
McPherson described the incident as deeply painful for the families affected, particularly for those who lost loved ones who were working to support their households.
He also paid tribute to the rescue teams who worked under dangerous conditions in the aftermath of the collapse to locate those trapped beneath the rubble.
Questions raised over building compliance
Early indications from labour officials suggest the construction project may not have followed proper legal procedures.
Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Jomo Sibiya said the company involved allegedly failed to submit approved building plans. If confirmed, this would mean the structure was illegal.
The department will now conduct a Section 31 investigation to determine exactly what went wrong and whether laws or safety regulations were violated.
Authorities say the findings will guide any potential legal action, including possible fines or criminal charges against those responsible.
A worrying pattern of collapses
The Ormonde tragedy is not an isolated case. According to Minister McPherson, this marks the third building collapse reported in recent months.
For many Johannesburg residents, that pattern raises serious questions about construction oversight and enforcement across the city.
Officials say the investigation will also look at broader systemic issues that may be contributing to these incidents, including gaps in inspections, compliance monitoring, and accountability.
National leaders promise answers
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi visited the scene and extended condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
He confirmed that provincial authorities are gathering information alongside national and local government teams in order to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collapse.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also weighed in, stating that a thorough inquiry is necessary. He said the investigation must not only provide answers to grieving families but also ensure that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.
For now, Johannesburg waits for those answers while mourning the lives lost in yet another preventable disaster.
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Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: eNCA
