Authorities suspect poor workmanship in Ormonde building collapse

Six people have died following a building collapse at Amethyst Business Park in Ormonde, Johannesburg, on Monday afternoon.

Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson, Xolile Khumalo, said teams responded just after 2pm to reports that a concrete slab had given way at a two-storey structure that was under construction.

One injured person was rushed to hospital, while two others were reported trapped during rescue operations. Three people were initially unaccounted for as emergency teams continued searching through the rubble.

The exact cause of the collapse has not yet been confirmed. However, Johannesburg Safety MMC Mgcini Tshwaku, has raised concerns about possible poor workmanship.

He says the City will review building plans and inspection records as part of the investigation.

“We’re going to check the building plans. Whether they were approved by the City. And if they were approved by an engineer,” Tshwaku said.

Authorities have urged members of the public to avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to continue rescue and recovery operations.

This is a developing story.

Media Statement

Building Collapse at Amethyst Business Park

The MMC Public safety , Dr Mgcini Tshwaku , is deeply saddened by the tragic collapse of the first-floor concrete slab in a two-storey building at Amethyst Business Park earlier today. Our thoughts and prayers are… pic.twitter.com/BOaE9QulsM

— COJ People’s MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) March 2, 2026

Written by: Realeboga Nke