In contrast to calls by public figures to release preliminary findings on the Victoria Street building disaster in George, victims have urged authorities to wait until the case goes to trial.

George Herald reports that following investigations into the fatal collapse on May 6, 2024, the 28 survivors and the families of the 34 deceased fear that public release of the reports may jeopardise the criminal case, expected to start in the first quarter of 2026.

During their meeting with the national parliamentary Public Works Portfolio Committee in Thembalethu last week, the victims handed over a seven-point memorandum titled How can Government assist victims of the George Building Collapse?

Don’t jeopardise the case

Point six of their memorandum reads: “The guilty parties will do everything in their might to escape prosecution. The victims and families strongly appeal to all investigating authorities NOT to jeopardise the criminal case by prematurely releasing their findings in the public domain as this can and will allow the perpetrators off the hook.”

No-one has yet been charged, but George Herald has been informed that the police investigation into the deadly collapse is nearly complete.

George councillor Chantelle Kyd of the Good Party has campaigned for the reports in the possession of George Municipality to be tabled before council, saying the people of George and the families of the victims deserve answers.

George Municipality has steadfastly refused to release the findings, citing ongoing litigation and criminal investigations.

But Kyd said the reluctance to release names or act decisively deepens the perception that regulatory bodies and municipal officials are more focused on shielding one another than protecting workers and the public.

Asked to respond to the victims’ plea that the reports remain confidential, Kyd said: “The Good Party will reserve its comment on this issue. Thanks.”

Full memorandum to Parliament

How can Government assist victims of the George Building Collapse?

1. Presidency – Victims appeal to President Cyril Ramaphosa to fulfil his May 16, 2024 promise to provide interim financial and humanitarian support to the 62 victims and their families.
2. Public Works & Infrastructure – Despite visits by five cabinet ministers following the tragedy, only National Minister Dean Macpherson has reached out with compassion. He addressed the commemoration on May 6, 2025 and met with families on July 19, 2025, to brief them privately on preliminary findings.
3. Labour – Families face secondary trauma navigating red tape to access workmen’s compensation. Only two victims have been partially assisted. Parliament is urged to fast-track compensation and ensure completion of the Occupational Health and Safety investigation.
4. Human Settlements – Victims appeal to the minister to instruct the National Homebuilders Registration Council to urgently provide interim compensation to all 62 families.
5. Social Development – Despite pledging psycho-social support, the department has not contacted all families. The minister is asked to investigate systemic flaws and meet with leaders to improve support.
6. Criminal investigation – Victims stress the importance of keeping findings confidential to prevent perpetrators from evading prosecution.
7. George Municipality – Anger has erupted over plans to auction the disaster site. Victims urge the Municipality to pressurise the developer to create a memorial park.

The 62 victims and families of the George Building Collapse
Thembalethu, November 20, 2025

Controversial online auction

The newspaper in another article noted that the controversial online auction of the George building disaster site at 75 Victoria Street started at noon yesterday and ended at noon today.

The 28 survivors and the families of the 34 deceased are against the sale of the land and want a permanent memorial to be erected on the site in remembrance of those maimed and killed when a nearly completed apartment block collapsed.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.