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Five people were killed and several injured when the temple collapsed in Verulam.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson says preliminary findings indicate that poor-quality concrete and weak reinforced columns were used in the construction of the collapsed four-storey temple in Verulam, north of Durban, last weekend.
Five people were killed and several injured.
Macpherson has called on authorities to hold those who illegally erected the unapproved building accountable.
“My department, together with the Council for the Built Environment, is leading the technical investigation into the collapse and stands ready to support the SAPS in any manner required to ensure accountability, justice for affected families and the prevention of similar incidents in the future. Where loss of life occurs as a result of possible negligence or unlawful conduct, there can be no room for delay, fragmentation or uncertainty. Those responsible must be identified and the law must take its course.”
[Redcliffe building collapse site visit] The Minister @DeanMacpherson highlighted the fragmented nature of building compliance regulation, noting that consistent enforcement across government spheres and regulatory bodies is essential to preventing avoidable tragedies. pic.twitter.com/ioH3agTBTQ
— Department Of Public Works and Infrastructure (@DepartmentPWI) December 13, 2025
The Minister has escalated the investigation to Acting Police Minister Prof. Firoz Cachalia, requesting inter-provincial cooperation.
The investigation will be conducted by a team composed of two units: the Western Cape Unit that investigated the building collapse in George last year, and the KwaZulu-Natal police team responsible for the investigation into the Verulam incident.
Minister Dean Macpherson updates on Preliminary report on Verulam Temple collapse
