Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has urged the National Prosecuting Authority to act as the country marked the second anniversary of the George building collapse.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
Gabriel Guambe, who survived 100 hours trapped beneath the rubble of the collapsed five-storey building in George, says he remains haunted by the trauma, with even the sound of planes overhead triggering panic attacks.
This comes as two years after the tragedy, the NPA said it was considering evidence following the conclusion of the police investigation and handing over of the docket in February.
A memorial service for the victims, scheduled to take place at the site on Tuesday, was postponed indefinitely due to forecasts of extreme weather.
Guambe said the prolonged delays in finalising the investigation were frustrating.
“We do not know what is going on. We just get lies and we are tired of it,” he said.
He said that the psychological scars of the May 6, 2024 collapse on Victoria Street, remain ever-present. Thirty-four people were killed.
“If I am on site and I hear an airplane overhead or even strong winds, I get panic attacks and I cannot work,” he said.
“We were never given any psychological support and the monthly payments we were promised never came.
“I was just told they cancelled the memorial. I would have gone — it would have been nice for us to be there and honour those who died.”
Police finalised their investigation and handed the docket to the NPA in February, however, prosecutors have yet to indicate when charges may be brought.
“We are busy considering the evidence. We are being thorough due to the nature of the evidence we are dealing with,” said NPA Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila.
Last year, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson said the findings of a report by the Engineering Council of South Africa would form part of the police investigation to determine whether criminal negligence played a role.
The council charged and imposed a maximum fine on an engineer implicated in the collapse.
GOOD councillor in George, Chantelle Kyd, said that after two years, the public is entitled to clearer answers and visible progress.
“We respectfully call on the NPA to clarify the current status of the matter and the next steps. We further call on ministers and all those in positions of leadership who made public commitments in the aftermath of this tragedy to account, openly and honestly, for the progress made,” she said.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, through his spokesperson Regan Thaw said: “This matter must be given the priority it deserves. After two years, it is time for justice to be served. The victims of this tragedy deserve nothing less.”
Cape Times