Soweto building collapse: MMC to visit affected families after three fatalities
Three lives were tragically lost, including that of a child, following a double-storey building collapse in Doornkop, Soweto.
Image: Supplied
Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, is set to visit the affected families in Doornkop, Soweto, on Monday afternoon following the deadly collapse of a double-storey building that claimed three lives, including that of a child.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, when a double-storey structure collapsed shortly after 3am. Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (JEMS) confirmed that six people were inside the building at the time, with three initially trapped beneath the rubble.
All six occupants were rescued by emergency responders and rushed to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
It is revealed that a child and two adult women later died from their injuries. The remaining three victims are still receiving medical treatment, with their conditions yet to be disclosed.
City authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse.
The incident comes amid growing concern over Gauteng’s infrastructure challenges. Experts and political parties, including ActionSA, have repeatedly warned about overcrowding, substandard construction practices and illegal building alterations in some urban areas. Emergency officials have urged communities to report visible cracks, shifting walls and structurally unsafe buildings before tragedy strikes.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has expressed his condolences to the affected families and those injured in the collapse.
Macpherson has also requested the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) to conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
It is explained that the investigation will seek to determine the cause of the collapse, identify any responsible parties and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The investigation will be thorough and transparent and conducted with full cooperation from relevant regulatory authorities,” Macpherson said. “The safety of construction workers and the public remains the department’s highest priority, and appropriate action will be taken once all the facts have been established.”
amahle.luke@inl.co.za
Saturday Star