By Staff Reporter
MANKWENG – Tragedy struck in Mankweng Zone 1, outside the University of Limpopo, on Wednesday afternoon when a popular student market building collapsed, killing one woman and leaving several others injured.
According to witnesses, chaos erupted shortly after the collapse as community members rushed to help those trapped under the debris.
However, tensions flared when shop owners allegedly chased away rescuers, fearing that people were attempting to loot the premises.
“We were only trying to help the trapped people, but they thought we wanted to steal. By the time we were allowed to go back, one woman was already gone,” said a distressed eyewitness.
Residents expressed deep concern about the structural safety of the building, claiming that it had previously caught fire just a few weeks ago and had since appeared unstable.
“That shop has been a danger for a long time. It’s overloaded with stock and unsafe. Now, a life has been lost because of negligence. It must be closed before more people die,” said another resident.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the collapse. Police confirmed that an investigation is underway, while forensic pathologists were seen at the scene to remove the deceased from the rubble.
Emergency services attended to the injured, and officials have cordoned off the area as safety assessments continue.
