Criminal probe launched after deadly Redcliffe temple building collapse
Heavy machinery is used to clear debris from the collapsed building alongside the temple where five people died.
Image: Leon Lestrade/ Independent Newspapers
A criminal investigation has been launched following the collapse of a multi-storey building next to the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, north of Durban. Authorities are probing whether illegal construction practices, substandard materials, and the absence of approved building plans constitute criminal conduct.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson revealed preliminary findings on Tuesday, based on an early report compiled by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE). The report points to serious construction failures, including friable concrete, poor workmanship, and indications that no approved building plans or permits were submitted to authorities.
“The structure, a reinforced concrete building still under construction, collapsed suddenly on Friday afternoon while work was underway on the upper floors,” Macpherson said during a media briefing in Mayfair, Durban. Preliminary evidence, including video footage, suggests a failure of formwork or shuttering during the pumping of wet concrete, which caused abnormal loads and a rapid, progressive collapse.
Five fatalities have been confirmed, and several others were injured. Authorities believe no one remains trapped under the rubble. The site has been declared a crime scene and will be handed over to the Department of Employment and Labour for further statutory investigations alongside other agencies.
According to Macpherson, rescue teams reported that the concrete on site appeared friable, raising concerns about material quality. Early inspections also revealed misaligned structural elements and other signs of substandard construction, all of which will be subjected to detailed forensic testing.
Of particular concern are preliminary indications that no building plans were approved, no construction permits were issued, and authorities were denied the opportunity to inspect or intervene during construction.
Given the loss of life and potential criminality, Macpherson confirmed he has formally requested assistance from an experienced police investigative team from the Western Cape, which previously investigated the George building collapse. “Where loss of life occurs as a result of possible negligence or unlawful conduct, there can be no room for delay. Those responsible must be identified, and the law must take its course,” he said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been briefed on the tragedy and has endorsed the steps taken so far, including strengthening the criminal investigation and technical oversight.
Beyond the immediate investigation, Macpherson warned that the Redcliffe collapse highlights systemic failures in South Africa’s building regulation and enforcement. The CBE report notes a troubling pattern of serious structural collapses in the eThekwini metro over the past decade. It recommends intensified detection of illegal building activity, mandatory notification to municipalities of large deliveries of ready-mix concrete, and a national awareness campaign on building approvals and safety requirements.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba welcomed the report, describing it as a crucial step in clarifying the possible causes of the tragedy. “The report has effectively put an end to speculation. We will continue to support the technical team investigating this matter to ensure the process is expedited and that the final report is released without delay,” he said.
Xaba confirmed that government responded immediately after the building collapsed, deploying police, search and rescue teams, disaster management, and emergency services.
“Such incidents have no place in our city and must never be allowed to happen again. Those responsible will be held accountable to send a clear message that similar transgressions will be met with the full might of the law,” he said.