The cross examining of witnesses into the collapse of the Thongathi Mall entered its second day on Thursday with Kenneth Mhlungu telling the commission of enquiry that he had noticed a part of the construction sagging prior to the accident that resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to 29 others in November last year.
This, he said, was due to the fact that there was no column to support the slab. After noticing this, he informed his supervisor who in turn notified the engineer.
Mhlungu told the commission that he was a supervisor as well as the owner of TK Formwork, a company that provided formwork and support work to the main construction company. Asked whether he was a qualified artisan, he said he learned his job at various reputable construction companies. He said he had also acquired two-month trade test training from a college in Cape Town.
He was however, cagey as to whether he considered himself a worker or an independent contractor although he admitted to the fact that the principal company, Gralio Construction, often deposited money into his account out of which he would pay his subordinates.
The section 32 hearing is gathering evidence against parties whose alleged negligence resulted in the incident that captured world headlines.
Once the commission has completed its mission, it is expected to prepare a report of its conclusions and formulate recommendations which will be presented to labour Minister, Mildred Oliphant, as well as the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for consideration.
The commission is being chaired by presiding officer, Phumudzo Maphaha, who is being assisted by Sandile Kubheka and Lennie Samuel, a forensic investigation and organiser. He testified that he was not on site on the day of the accident, but went immediately after hearing of the accident.
The hearing will continue tomorrow.
Enquiries:
Mokgadi Pela
Cell: 082 808 2168
Nhlanhla Khumalo
Labour’s Provincial Spokesperson
Cell: 074 592 9682
