October 24; 12:00

The management of Savannah Mall told the Polokwane Review-Observer that they are committed to working with the Polokwane Municipality to address any structural concerns they have.

Their response follows remarks made by the Polokwane Mayor, John Mpe, on Thursday in which he stated that the mall will be shut down if it fails to meet municipal building safety regulations.

Read more: Savannah Mall says it is safe amid mayor’s compliance warning

October 23, 19:21

POLOKWANE – The Mayor of Polokwane, John Mpe, has issued a strong warning to property owners following the fatal Mankweng building collapse, confirming that Savannah Mall has also been found non-compliant with municipal safety regulations.

Mpe visited the site of the Student Supamarket in Mankweng Plaza, Zone 1, where one person was killed after part of the building collapsed earlier this week.

Read more: VIDEO: One person confirmed dead in Mankweng building collapse

He stated that a municipal structural engineer confirmed the shop was operating without proper building compliance and that the structure, although large, lacked critical reinforcements.

“The structural engineer from the municipality has confirmed the building was non-compliant,” Mpe said during his visit.

@polokwanereview Review-Observer journalist Cecilia Mogashoa is on the scene where emergency services are responding to the collapse of a building in Mankweng. A fire and rescue services truck arrived to assist in search and recovery efforts for a body trapped under the rubble. Police have cordoned off the area as the investigation continues. #Polokwane #Limpopo #TrendingSA #Mankweng #ReviewOnline ♬ original sound – plkreview

The mayor also visited the bereaved family to offer condolences and said the municipality would assist with funeral arrangements.

Safety enforcement drive widens

Following the tragedy, Mpe revealed that the municipality recently closed another shop in Nirvana for similar non-compliance issues and has now directed municipal engineers to assess Savannah Mall.

“It is alleged that while Savannah Mall was still at its occupational stage, it was compliant, but after recent improvements, it became non-compliant,” he said.

According to Mpe, the municipality has instructed the mall’s management to appoint a structural engineer to conduct an independent assessment.

“Our engineer has confirmed that Savannah Mall itself is not compliant with our regulations, and we are going to take action,” said Mpe.

The mayor added that if the mall fails to adhere to directives, the municipality will shut it down until all compliance requirements are met.

“Polokwane is open for business, not for illegal activities in terms of non-compliance,” he warned.

The municipality’s building inspectorate and compliance enforcement teams have been activated to assess commercial and public structures citywide to prevent similar tragedies.