The investigation into the death of 33 victims following the structural collapse of a building under construction at Victoria Street, George on Monday, 06 May 2024 is in full swing. The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner assigned a team of experienced detectives to conduct the investigation following the registering of an Inquest docket.
The search, rescue and recovery operation was completed on site on Friday, 17 May 2024. A total of 62 victims were rescued and or retrieved during the operation. Collaboration with other departments ensured that autopsies were conducted on 33 bodies of which 29 were positively identified by their loved ones at this stage.
The post-mortem reports as well as reports from other departments forms part of the ongoing police probe.
Meantime, in anticipation of the pending investigation by the Department of Employment and Labour, the site is being secured.
Western Cape police management commended the multidisciplinary team for their efforts during the operation. He also lauded Police members deployed, especially the role of K9 and SAPS search and rescue personnel for their contribution to the rescue and recovery efforts.
