The recent building collapse in George has left families devastated and desperate for answers.
As the death toll rises to 19, family members of the victims are pleading with Police Minister Bheki Cele to allow them access to the site for closure and to assist in the search for their loved ones.
During his visit to the site on Sunday, Police Minister Bheki Cele assured the families that investigations have begun. However, he was unable to provide them with the specific answers they desperately sought.
[ George Building Collapse Death Toll Rises To 16 With 36 Still Missing ]
Cele emphasized the importance of not pre-empting any conclusions about the incident, stating that it would be wrong to do so. He assured the families that the police would inform the public as soon as any information came out of the investigation.
Cele acknowledged the pain and anxiety the families are experiencing and asked for their understanding and patience. He emphasized that the priority is to provide support to those who have suffered and to ensure their well-being.
Cele, along with National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola and Deputy National Commissioner for Policing and Special Operations Lt-General Tebello Mosikili, expressed their commitment to conducting a thorough investigation.
The families of the missing individuals pleaded with the Police Minister to grant them access to the site.
They expressed their frustration and anguish at the lack of information and the passing of time without any news. One woman, overcome with emotion, tearfully stated, “We have been waiting and waiting. We don’t know anything. Tomorrow it will be a week.”
Cele acknowledged the families’ pain and assured them that the rescue workers were tirelessly working to find more people. He mentioned that some rescue workers are sleeping only two hours at a time, highlighting their dedication and commitment to the search and rescue efforts.
As of Sunday afternoon, the death toll had risen to 19, with two additional bodies recovered by the rescue teams.
Neels Barnard, the George Municipality Fire Chief, stated that the recovery of these victims would take some time. Earlier in the day, the George Municipality had reported the recovery of three more bodies.
The George Municipality provided an update, stating that there are still 33 people unaccounted for, while 14 have been hospitalized. So far, 48 people have been rescued or recovered.
It is believed that there were 81 people at the construction site when the building collapsed.
Amidst the tragedy, there was a glimmer of hope when 33-year-old tiler Gabriel Guambe was rescued from the rubble. Western Cape Premier Alan Winde described the rescue as “nothing short of a miracle.”
Guambe was found after rescue teams heard him speaking from under the debris. His recovery is progressing well, and he is expected to be reunited with his family on Monday.
The George Municipality, along with the dedicated rescue teams, continues to work tirelessly to recover the remaining missing individuals and provide support to the affected families.
The investigation into the George building collapse is ongoing, and the public will be informed of any updates as soon as they become available.
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