As of March 3, 2026, the death toll from the building collapse in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, has officially risen to nine.
Six people were confirmed dead at the scene on Monday afternoon, March 2, 2026. Three additional bodies were retrieved from the rubble or succumbed to injuries by Tuesday morning, March 3.
Three other construction workers remain in critical condition in the hospital.
Officials from the City of Johannesburg and the Deputy Minister of Labour, Jomo Sibiya, have confirmed that the two-storey building was an unlawful development.
It was constructed without municipal approvals, permits, or mandatory inspections, in clear violation of city bylaws.
The government plans to demolish the remainder of the structure as it is considered unsafe and illegal.
Surviving workers are reportedly eligible for compensation as they were registered with the Department of Labour’s Compensation Fund.
By Anthony Solly
