Engineering Council of SA places George building engineer on precautionary suspension
Thirty-four people died when a partially constructed five-strorey building caved in more than a month ago.
Aerial view of George building collapse site. Image: George Municipality On Facebook
JOHANNESBURG - The Engineering Council of South Africa has placed the engineer who oversaw the construction of the George building that collapsed on precautionary suspension.
Thirty-four people died when a partially constructed five-storey building caved in more than a month ago.
Sixt-two people were on-site at the time of the collapse, many of whom were rescued alive in a 10-day rescue and recovery operation.
READ: IN PICS: Aftermath of the deadly George building collapse
According to the George Municipality, Athol Mitchell of Mitchell and Associates signed off on the plans for the disaster construction project on 75 Victoria Road.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Engineering Council said Mitchell's rights and activities within the profession would be temporarily removed.
It says the suspension will remain until a decision is made regarding potential charges against him.
The Engineering Council of South Africa has previously received two complaints against the prominent structural engineer.
It's understood that one complaint was investigated and dismissed in 2019.
A subsequent charge, lodged in December, is still under investigation.