BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – The Construction Industry Council (CIC) has commenced an investigation into the tragic roof collapse at Bhunu Mall in Manzini, which claimed the life of 26-year-old shop assistant Tiyandza Masilela on August 18, 2026.
The incident has raised concerns over construction safety and regulatory compliance, with the CIC moving to establish exactly what happened and ensure that any parties found to have breached safety or regulatory requirements are held accountable.
In a statement, the CIC said it had already commenced the necessary investigations in accordance with its statutory mandate and was working closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The CIC is working closely with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the facts, and ensure that any necessary accountability measures are pursued in accordance with the law and applicable regulatory requirements,” the Council said.
The Council said the investigation would establish the facts surrounding the roof collapse and determine whether applicable construction safety standards and regulatory requirements were followed.
The CIC said it was treating the matter with the utmost urgency and was working around the clock to bring the investigation to finality.
The Council also extended its condolences to the Masilela family following the death of their loved one and wished those who sustained injuries a speedy and full recovery.
“On behalf of the Council and the construction industry, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Masilela family who have lost their loved one,” the Council said.
The tragic incident has brought renewed attention to the importance of construction safety, particularly at sites where ongoing construction activities can affect workers, occupants, businesses and members of the public.
The CIC reaffirmed that the safety and wellbeing of all persons affected by construction activities remained a priority.
“The safety and wellbeing of construction workers, occupants, members of the public, and all persons affected by construction activities remain of paramount importance to the Council,” the CIC said.
The Council said the investigation forms part of its statutory responsibility to promote and enforce high standards of construction safety, quality and regulatory compliance across Eswatini.
It further stressed that where non-compliance or wrongdoing is established, the necessary accountability measures would be pursued in accordance with the law.
The CIC said the investigation would also strengthen safety, compliance and regulatory oversight within the construction industry, while helping to safeguard lives and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The findings of the investigation will determine what further action is required in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
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