George building collapse: Minister defends decision to withhold reports for sake of justice

Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson says he is prepared to take the flak for not making public building investigation reports into the George Building collapse.

Macpherson explained that his decision is intended to protect the integrity of police investigations and ultimately ensure that those responsible are criminally charged.

BACKGROUND TO THE TRAGEDY
The incident occurred in May last year when a near-complete apartment building caved in, resulting in the deaths of 34 people and injuring over seventy workers, most of whom were foreign nationals.

Following a recent visit to George to meet with the families of those who died and were injured, Minister Macpherson confirmed he is acting with their blessing to keep the various investigative reports falling under his department under wraps.

READ: Public Works makes headway to crackdown on construction mafia - Macpherson

PRIORITISING JUSTICE

Reports from the Department of Human Settlements and the Department of Employment and Labour have also pointed to liability within both the construction industry and the regulatory environment.

Macpherson expressed regret over the opposition to his decision:

"It is unfortunate, however, that several interest groups remain opposed to this at the expense of justice and the views and feelings of the victims and families. We must always prioritise the rule of law above political expediency."

The Minister is prepared to defend his position before Parliament for not revealing the full findings of the forensic investigation. He stressed the importance of ensuring successful prosecutions:

"We could do so for political expediency. We could get a few headlines and we can say what needs to be said in Parliament, but that’s going to come at a cost for justice for the families."

Macpherson affirmed that his decision is backed up by advice from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure the success of the prosecutions.