Sema Fonkem 02 Feb 2026

Six people have been reported dead while three remain trapped after an upper level floor of a building collapsed in Ormonde, south of the city of Johannesburg.

Rescue team from Johannesburg Emergency Management services is currently at the scene combing through the caved-in building to look for the missing persons.

The deadly collapse affected about 12 people. Six died at the scene of the incident which occurred around 2pm today. three others have been rushed to the hospital for medical attention while three more remain trapped under the rubble.

City of Johannesburg Public safety says preliminary investigations indicate that there is no available approved plans or Skills Development Facilitator  (SDF) for the construction site. Engineers and building control officials from the department will continue looking at the structural integrity of the building.

According to the City of Johannesburg, the two buildings on the construction site do not meet the 15-metre pillars requirement for structural stability and as per regulation by South African National Standards (SANS) 10400, this makes the activity of the contractor illegal.

The two buildings in question were constructed near a power line and by law, the erection of these structures was not supposed to be approved by the municipality. This sighting gives a clue that the contractors may have broken city rules or there was an act of corruption during the approval process.

City of Johannesburg Public safety says after investigations are done on the integrity of the building, justice will be served.

Family members of the deceased and victims will be informed after the legal identification process has been completed.

In July 2025, a five-storey building collapsed in George, Western Cape province, killing 34 construction workers and injuring dozens. South African Police Service (SAPS) has completed investigation and the case is now with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to reach a final decision. In May 2024, safety concerns were reported after defects were detected but no action was taken and work continued on the site.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) frowns on lawlessness in the South African construction industry and continues to probe corruption within the institution.

Update: Tuesday, 03 2026.

Rescue team recovered the bodies of the last three individuals who were trapped under the rubble on Monday, March 02, 2026. Three of the workers are still in hospital. The owner of the buildings is nowhere to be found.