Birchleigh balcony collapse leaves residents displaced, no injuries reported
Four people were rescued and 15 displaced after a balcony collapsed at 23 Matumi Street. Authorities warn residents to check the safety of ageing buildings.
On August 9, emergency mobilisation led by Share-it Live saw multiple units dispatched to a structural collapse at 23 Matumi Street, Birchleigh.
The first calls were received shortly before 16:00, with the initial response team arriving on scene in under five minutes.
The City of Ekurhuleni’s Call Receiving Centre confirmed receiving a distress call at approximately 16:00. According to Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) spokesperson Eric Maloka, Station 30 responded with a major rescue vehicle, a water tanker, and six personnel.
On arrival, crews found that a balcony of a double-storey building had collapsed, damaging part of the ground floor and crushing an unoccupied SUV parked below. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately initiated, successfully evacuating four women from the building.
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In total, 15 people were left displaced. “No injuries were reported during or after the operation,” said Maloka. “The cause of the collapse is still unclear, but we suspect a lack of maintenance and the age of the structure contributed.”
Authorities have requested the building owner engage a structural engineer to assess whether the property remains safe for occupancy.
The SAPS and local Community Police Forum assisted with crowd control, and the scene was later handed over to SAPS for investigation.
Norkem Park SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Portia Mkhondo confirmed preliminary observations indicate the building is no longer structurally sound. “The building owner was advised to arrange alternative accommodation for residents,” said Mkhondo.
“We urge the public to ensure that any rented accommodation is safe and compliant with building regulations to avoid the risks associated with ageing, unserviced structures.”
Ward councillor Amanda Davison expressed concern, stating the poor state of the building had been a long-standing issue.
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“I am deeply saddened and concerned by the collapse of the balcony at 23 Matumi Street.
“In my view, it was just a matter of time before such an incident occurred. This tragic event underscores the urgent need for proper inspections and immediate action to protect residents,” she said.
Davison called for urgent inspections of the site and surrounding properties by building inspectors, SAPS, and the EMPD.
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“The safety and well-being of our community must come first. It may be time to consider drastic measures, including the potential demolition of unsafe structures.
“I am working with local authorities, emergency services, and building safety experts to ensure appropriate action is taken without delay.”
She assured residents she would continue to monitor the situation closely and push for the resources needed to address safety concerns while keeping the public informed.
