By Kabelo Abel Mokgalabone
MANKWENG – The woman who tragically lost her life after a wall collapsed at Student Supermarket in Mankweng has been identified as Pauline Letsoalo, a dedicated shop worker who was due to celebrate her 36th birthday next Wednesday.
Letsoalo, originally from Ga-Mailula Village in the Mankweng area, died instantly at the scene of the collapse at the Indian-owned store on Wednesday afternoon. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning.
On Thursday morning, Executive Mayor of Polokwane, Cllr John Mpe, visited the scene and extended his condolences to Letsoalo’s grieving family.
Mayor Mpe condemned the apparent negligence surrounding the building’s safety and confirmed that authorities are taking urgent action.
“We were never issued an occupational certificate. This building is non-compliant. We are disappointed by the owner of the building. The safety of our people is much more important than profit,” said Mpe.
“It is unfortunate that we are here when a life has been lost. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased. This is a painful reminder of why we continue to place strong emphasis on building safety and compliance across our municipality.”
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the collapse and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
