Why Premier Winde insists on keeping the George building collapse report confidential

Police have remained mum on why Premier Alan Winde was the one relaying an update on the police investigation into the George building collapse to the public, instead of them.

Western Cape police also did not respond to questions about when the victims and families of survivors had been updated on the case, or why Winde did not get the briefing on the matter through the relevant parliamentary committee or the committee in the provincial legislature.

Winde last week announced that he had been briefed by the police commissioner Lieutenant-General, Thembisile Patekile, on the investigation into the George building collapse. The lead investigator in this case, Captain Johan de Lange, was also present, he said.

Arrests are yet to be made in connection with the tragedy last year, which claimed the lives of 34 people.

Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane earlier this month released findings from the National Home Builders Registration Council’s (NHBRC) investigation into the incident which found that the company in question inaccurately presented its capabilities during the registration phase and failed to declare its intention to construct a multi-story building. The investigation also found several breaches of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards in the construction as well as significant irregularities in the certification process, among others. 

The NHBRC suspended five officials who were implicated in the report.

Winde last week said he had met with SAPS who told him the investigation was more than halfway complete.

“The Premier was informed that the SAPS investigation is 65% complete. Premier Winde and Lt Gen Patekile agreed that it must be urgently concluded, but that the investigation must be thorough and the case watertight to stand up to prosecutorial scrutiny,” Winde’s office said.  

Questions were posed to Western Cape police but police spokesperson, Christopher Spies would only say: “The matter referred to in your media enquiry is a subject of an ongoing police investigation. An inquest docket was opened at the time of the incident. This investigation is at an advanced stage. The case docket will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for a decision upon the conclusion of the police investigation. This office confirms that the investigation team received a report from the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC). The contents of the report are being analysed.”

Meanwhile, the ANC in the provincial legislature called for the investigation report, conducted by the provincial government to be made public, citing the use of public funds and promises in the legislature last year.

“The Legislature approved R2.5 million in funding to help manage this disaster, including an investigation. Winde's MEC for Local Government, stood in the Legislature and said the Premier would bring the report. Where is it? SAPS is not accountable to the Provincial Legislature. The Premier is. Alan Winde cannot pass the buck. He must table the report, as promised, and answer to the Legislature and to the people. This is not just about a building collapse - it’s about a collapse in leadership, accountability, and truth. The families of the 34 people who died deserve real answers, not excuses, not delays,” said leader of the opposition, Khalid Sayed. 

Winde’s spokesperson said they believed making the report public would jeopardise police work.  

“When the Premier met with Lt.General Patekile earlier this month, he once again thanked the provincial government for its cooperation and support for the SAPS investigation as the lead agency probing this matter. We understand that there is huge public interest in this matter, but as a responsible government, we cannot do anything to possibly jeopardise a successful prosecution. The Premier still firmly believes the findings of the independent assessment commissioned by the Western Cape Government must remain confidential to protect the integrity of the SAPS investigation,” said Winde’s spokesperson, Regan Thaw.

Weekend Argus