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WATCH | Deadly building collapse: Shop owners own up!

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They said they occupied the premises in November 2024.

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Mankweng residents and University of Limpopo (UL) students are marching against the Student Super Market. This follows the death of a female worker who died on Wednesday, 22 October, when the shop building collapsed. They say this is not the first incident to occur at the shop. death shop collapse students Full story at www.dailysun.co.za

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A BUILDING housing a student-run supermarket in Limpopo collapsed on Wednesday, 22 October.

The collapse resulted in the death of worker Paulina Letsolao (36) from Ga-Mothapo Mantjane village near Mankweng.

The student supermarket owners have admitted they did not check the safety of their shop building before moving in.

They said they occupied the premises in November 2024.

Speaking to Daily Sun, HR manager Thami Maponya admitted they failed to conduct proper investigations to ensure the building was safe.

"We admit that we made a mistake, and we failed to do thorough investigations before occupying the building."

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She explained that they were not aware that the building was non-compliant and did not have an occupational certificate.

The victim's family has asked for privacy and declined media interviews.

Residents said the shop had burnt down three times before it reopened for business.

Mankweng community leader Jerry Masetla said they demand action and mentioned this is not the first incident at the shop.

"We are very concerned. This is not the first incident to occur at this shop. What makes this incident worse is that a life was lost. We demand action against the shop owners. We want the shop shut down."

Police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba told Daily Sun that an inquest docket has been registered at Mankweng cop shop.

"We confirm that we are investigating an incident in which an employee, unfortunately, became a victim and, in the process, lost her life. An inquest docket has been registered for further investigation," he said.

Mankaleme Thema

Mankaleme Thema

South African multimedia journalist covering crime, courts, politics, health, education and community affairs. Holds institutions accountable while amplifying ordinary voices. Committed to ethical reporting that informs, educates and empowers communities across print, digital and broadcast.

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