WC's Winde wants swift justice for families of George building collapse victims after meeting with police

CAPE TOWN - Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has called for swift justice for the families of the victims of the George building collapse.

Winde received an update on the probe from provincial police commissioner, Thembisile Patekile, and lead investigator, Captain Johan de Lange.

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In May last year, the five-storey development, known as 75 Victoria, collapsed and killed 34 people while it was still under construction.

With next month marking a year since the deadly collapse, Winde has urged the SA Police Service (SAPS) to fast-track the investigation and bring closure to the affected families.

Five officials at the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) have been suspended over the tragedy after Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane said the lives of 34 construction workers would have been saved if the council had done its due diligence.

Their suspensions come on the back of President Cyril Ramaphosa signing the Housing Consumer Protection Bill into law in January. The bill introduces stricter requirements for homebuilders.

Winde said that the families of the victims deserved a professional and transparent investigation.

"They informed me that they are 65% complete with the investigation. The one or two areas that are perhaps outstanding, I’ve indicated that I’m happy from the province’s side to even write to those organisations."