Redcliffe temple collapse | Fourth body pulled from rubble
KwaZulu-Natal authorities have confirmed that the fourth body has been pulled from the wreckage following a building collapse in Verulam.
However, efforts to locate remaining victims continued despite worsening weather conditions that have hampered access to the site.
Buthelezi said government remained committed to accounting for every person affected by the collapse, adding that additional capacity had been deployed to strengthen the operation.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, said disaster management teams will not rest until all individuals are recovered.
“We appreciate the additional support from the Western Cape’s specialised K9 unit, which strengthens our search capacity,” he said.
The MEC was accompanied by Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson, KwaZulu-Natal Public Works MEC Martin Meyer and eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba.
The delegation collectively commended emergency personnel for continuing operations under hazardous conditions.
Macpherson said national government stood firmly behind the teams on the ground.
“We extend our full support to disaster-management teams and emergency services as they continue with the extremely difficult and dangerous work of reaching those still trapped.
“We are grateful for the tireless efforts of all agencies on site who are working under challenging and high-risk conditions,” he said.
Officials said search and rescue operations would continue as conditions allow, with disaster management teams remaining on high alert while heavy rainfall persists.
Government has assured affected families that psychosocial and logistical support will be provided throughout the recovery phase.
IOL News