Suspension against George construction engineer will remain

CAPE TOWN - The Engineering Council of South Africa has placed the engineer who oversaw the construction of the George collapsed building on precautionary suspension.

Thirty-four people died when a 5-storey partially constructed building caved in more than a month ago.

Sixty-two people were on site at the time of the collapse, many of whom were rescued alive in a ten-day rescue and recovery operation.

According to the George Municipality, Athol Mitchell of Mitchell and Associates, signed off on the plans for the disaster construction project on 75 Victoria Road.

In a statement released earlier, the Engineering Council said that Mitchell's rights and activities within the profession will be temporarily removed.

It says the suspension will remain until a decision is made regarding potential charges against him.

The Engineering Council of South Africa had previously received two complaints against the prominent structural engineer.

It is understood that one complaint was investigated and dismissed in 2019.
A subsequent charge, lodged in December, is still under investigation.