Macpherson orders probe into Soweto building collapse that killed three

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has ordered an investigation into the cause of the collapse of a double-storey building in Doornkop, Soweto, which left three people dead, including a child.

Three people, including a child, died after the building collapsed in the early hours of Sunday, December 28, authorities confirmed. 

Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (JEMS) said the alarm was raised shortly after 3am.

Six people were inside the structure at the time of the collapse, with three trapped beneath the rubble. All six were rescued and taken to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. 

A child and two adult women later succumbed to their injuries. 

The conditions of the remaining three patients have not yet been disclosed.

Macpherson said he had requested the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse. The probe will seek to determine the cause, identify any responsible parties and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in future.

“This is a deeply distressing incident. My thoughts and condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and with all those who were injured as a result of this tragic collapse,” Macpherson said.

He emphasised that the investigation would be thorough and transparent, and conducted in full cooperation with relevant regulatory authorities.

Macpherson reaffirmed that the safety of construction workers and the public remains the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s highest priority.

“As the department, we are committed to accountability and to ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to strengthen safety and oversight across the construction sector, in order to protect both workers and the public,” he said.

He added that the department would respect due process and cooperate fully with all regulatory bodies throughout the investigation, and that appropriate action would be taken once all the facts have been established.

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