Experienced detectives from the Western Cape have been brought in to assist with the investigation into the collapse of a building at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Verulam, north of Durban.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson said the additional investigators will work alongside local South African Police Service officers and a team of labour inspectors. Five people were killed on Friday when a four-storey structure under construction at the temple in Redcliffe collapsed. The site has since been declared a crime scene.
Speaking at a media briefing in Mayville, Macpherson said preliminary findings suggest the collapse was caused by a sudden structural failure, possibly after formwork gave way during construction.
He added that it was of serious concern that local authorities had indicated the building plans were not approved and that construction permits had not been issued.
Macpherson said the decision to involve experienced investigators was aimed at strengthening the probe and ensuring accountability for those affected by the tragedy.
“The purpose of this request is not to replace local investigative capacity, but to reinforce it by drawing on experience gained from similar incidents, particularly in navigating the technical and regulatory complexities associated with major structural failures,” he said.