Ongoing investigation into George building collapse: Key players remain silent

The director of Neo Victoria Development, Carel Swanepoel, has gone dark as findings into the George building collapse unfold, with his legal team also reserving their silence on the ongoing police investigation.

The Cape Argus reached out to Swanepoel’s attorney Ryan du Preez from Tiefenthaler Attorneys this week, which went unanswered via WhatsApp and email.

According to Swanepoel’s LinkedIn account, he is the director of Neotrend Property Group.

Neo Victoria Development's two other directors - Dylan Brockway and Alwyn Gey, resigned from the company days after the May 8, 2024, tragedy, which claimed the lives of 34 people and left 28 injured, many of whom were foreign nationals.

The contractor embroiled in the collapse - Theuns Kruger, the owner of Liatel Developments, was also approached for comment concerning the submission of documents for legal advice against “certain individuals and entities and companies" which he believed were responsible.

Kruger did not respond to this as yet.

In April, Kruger exclusively spoke with the Cape Argus in which he said they were cooperating with authorities including the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC), and maintained that the company was not liable for the tragedy.

Police spokesperson, Christopher Spies, said: “An inquest docket was opened at the time of the incident by the George police. This investigation is at an advanced stage. All reports received are being analysed and forms part of the ongoing investigation. The case docket will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision upon the conclusion of the police investigation.”

Department of Home Affairs spokesperson, David Hlabane, did not respond to queries regarding the repatriation of victims who were foreign nationals, or whether everyone’s relatives were located.

Last week, the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) confirmed that the engineer was charged with violations of the Code of Conduct and the Code of Practice for the Performance of Engineering Work.

The charges include failure to discharge duties to employers; failure to adhere to professional norms when carrying out work; misrepresentation, or knowingly permitting misrepresentation, of academic or professional qualifications or competency; failure to give due regard to and prioritise the health, safety, and interests of the public; and failure to comply with relevant legislation.

They said accordingly, the tribunal imposed a fine, cancellation of their registration and removal of their name from the ECSA register and that it was referred for a criminal investigation and a suspension.

The collapse was as a result of multiple failures such as systematic failures, non-compliance with regulations and mismanagement.

Earlier this year, Human Settlements Minister, Thembi Simelane, said via a report that the George Municipality was at fault for approving the apartment block’s plan when it was already in the process of construction.

The municipality clarified that they were audited with no significant findings and that the plans were approved in line with regulations and that they did not have evidence that the construction went ahead despite the approval being processed.

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