Johannesburg – Search and rescue operations are continuing at a construction site in Ormonde, Johannesburg after a building collapse that has killed at least six people.
Six bodies were recovered on Monday, while three workers remain missing and three others are hospitalised.
Rescue teams from City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services returned early Tuesday morning to continue searching for survivors.
Preliminary investigations suggest non-compliance with building regulations may have contributed to the collapse.
DEVELOPING | Johannesburg City Manager Floyd Brink says an initial investigation found no evidence of approved plans for the structure that collapsed in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg. He adds that swift action will be taken against those at fault, particularly any city officials… pic.twitter.com/xbYj6oI68X
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 2, 2026
City officials indicated that no approved building plans could be found for the site.
Johannesburg City Manager Floyd Brink said engineers and building control officials were assessing the structural integrity of the building, warning that rescue work may be halted if conditions become unsafe.
“Looking at preliminary investigations, we cannot seem to find any form of approved plans because in an area like this, you should have had an SDF, as well as any other approved building plans.
“At this point, we do have our engineers on site, as well as our building control officials, and we are now busy looking at the structural integrity of this particular building.
“So We are trying for our teams to have our teams work around the clock, but at some point, if it becomes unsafe for them to do so, we will have to call it off and continue again in the morning,” Brink.
Safety concerns were also raised by MMC for Community Safety Mngcini Tshwaku, who highlighted the danger posed by nearby live overhead powerlines.
[GRAPHIC DETAILS] Joburg MMC for Public Safety Mgcini Tshwaku gives an update on the rescue mission following a fatal building collapse in Ormonde,
Johannesburg south. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/b7pXPMYJJg— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 2, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
