Company in charge of George building site willing to assist with investigations

JOHANNESBURG - The company in charge of the land and the development of the collapsed five-storey building in George claims that it is not responsible for the hiring of the 81 contractors affected by the tragedy on site.

The building collapsed on Monday, with 12 people declared dead so far while 41 others remain unaccounted for.

In a letter to Eyewitness News, Attorney Hanno Brummer, representing Neo Victoria Developments sad that his clients are willing to cooperate with officials.

This follows reports that the directors of the company had gone into hiding following the incident.

The property on Victoria Street in George is owned by Neo Victoria Developments, with Neotrend Developments being the company in charge of development coordination and management.

Both companies are linked to Carel Swanepoel, a 68-year-old Western Cape resident.
Speaking to EWN, Swanepoel’s son, Vincent, who is also a Director of Victoria Developments emphasised they would assist in all investigations.

"Yes, yes - definitely, everyone is willing to communicate."

Despite being willing to cooperate, the Swanepoel’s have distanced themselves from the hiring of the 81 contract workers who were on site when the building collapsed.