POLOKWANE – The section of the Mankweng Student Supermarket that collapsed and claimed the life of a woman late last year has been rebuilt, but the premises remain closed for business.

According to the Polokwane Local Municipality, the reconstruction of the fallen wall does not mean the building has been cleared for occupation or operations.

Municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala said the property owner was granted limited permission to rebuild the wall after submitting a formal request citing security concerns, theft incidents and damage caused by heavy rains in January.

“The work was undertaken in line with recommendations and under the supervision of the owner’s appointed structural engineers,” Selala said.

The store was shut down in October last year following the fatal collapse.

The municipality found the building non-compliant and instructed the owner to submit structural assessment reports before any further work could be considered.

The incident raised widespread concerns about building safety and prompted the municipality to conduct a compliance drive targeting properties that do not meet required safety standards.

Despite the wall being restored, Selala confirmed that no occupation certificate has been issued.

“An occupation certificate has not been issued and the premises remain not permitted to operate until all regulatory and safety requirements have been fully met,” he said.

As part of the compliance process, the owner has submitted Site Development Plans (SDPs) for assessment.

Once approved, formal building plans must be lodged, followed by mandatory municipal inspections before any decision on an occupation certificate can be made.

The municipality maintains that public safety remains its priority before allowing the premises to reopen.