19/08/2026
STATEMENT | TECHNICAL UPDATE AND STATEMENT ON THE STRUCTURAL INCIDENT AT BHUNU MALL
It is with profound sadness and regret that Bhunu Mall Partnership issues this official statement regarding the tragic structural incident that occurred at the Bhunu Mall project site on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, at approximately 17:00 hours.
During ongoing development activities, a section of a concrete slab collapsed within the designated project area. Emergency response protocols were activated immediately, bringing local emergency medical services, fire services, and law enforcement authorities to the scene to initiate search-and-rescue operations.
It has been confirmed that five (5) employees of the Identity retail store were within the immediate operational area at the time of the collapse:
• Rescued Individuals: Four (4) employees were successfully extracted from the site by emergency personnel and promptly transported to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. Our thoughts and prayers are fervently with these individuals, and we pray for their full and speedy recovery.
• Fatalities: Tragically, following an intensive overnight search-and-rescue effort, emergency teams located the body of the fifth employee early Wednesday morning 19 August 2026.
Bhunu Mall extends its deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the families, friends, and colleagues affected by this painful loss.
The safety of store staff, retail occupants, and the general public, remains our highest priority. The following immediate actions have been executed:
• Work Suspension: All construction activities at the Bhunu Mall project site have been fully suspended until further notice.
• Site Security & Access Restriction: The affected section of the mall has been cordoned off and secured to prevent unauthorized entry, ensure public safety, and preserve the scene for investigative authorities.
• Structural Assessment: Independent structural engineers and safety experts are conducting preliminary assessments to evaluate surrounding structural integrity and ensure the safety of the site.
Bhunu Mall Partnership is cooperating fully with relevant municipal authorities, regulatory bodies, and law enforcement agencies as formal investigations commence to determine the facts surrounding the collapse.
We express our sincere gratitude to the emergency first responders, medical teams, and search-and-rescue personnel who worked tirelessly throughout the night.
Further official updates will be shared as verified factual information becomes available from the relevant investigating authorities.
Any inconvenience caused to our tenants, shoppers and the general public is deeply regretted.
ISSUED BY:
Management
Bhunu Mall Partnership