Council for the Built Environment to probe retaining wall collapse at Shembe church in Inanda

From left: Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and Reverend Mbongwa Nzama at the Nazareth Baptist Church site in Inanda.

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) will be investigating the circumstances surrounding the collapse of a retaining wall at the Nazareth Baptist Church (Ebuhleni) premises in Inanda on Monday, which left at least eight people injured.

This was revealed on Tuesday when Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, accompanied by CBE Chief Executive Officer Dr Msizi Myeza and Public Works regional office officials visited the site.

According to reports from emergency services on Monday, Shembe church congregants were sitting near the wall when it collapsed, trapping some of them underneath. A swift rescue operation saw the eight people rescued. The operation involved multiple role players including the eThekwini Fire and Rescue Services, Metro Police, Emergency Medical Services, specialised Search and Rescue teams, the South African Police Service, KZN VIP Advanced Life Support and other emergency response partners

A view of the collapsed structure at the Nazareth Baptist Church, as investigations begin into the cause of the incident.