Police in Limpopo are investigating a case of culpable homicide after a tragic building collapse claimed the life of a 35-year-old woman in Mankweng Zone 1, outside Polokwane.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that the incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at a local supermarket. It is alleged that part of the building structure gave way, trapping the worker beneath the debris. Emergency services were called to the scene, but paramedics declared the woman dead upon arrival.

“The case was initially registered as an inquest and has since been converted to culpable homicide. Investigations are continuing,” said Brigadier Mashaba.

Witnesses told journslists that the same supermarket had experienced several fire incidents over the past two years, which may have weakened the building’s structure before the collapse. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether structural damage from those earlier incidents contributed to the tragedy.

South African building regulations fall under the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act of 1977, which requires all structures to meet safety standards and be inspected by qualified engineers or municipal building control officers. Any renovation or rebuilding after fire damage must be approved by local authorities to ensure structural integrity and public safety.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 also places a legal obligation on employers to ensure that workplaces are safe for employees. Failure to comply with these laws can lead to criminal charges, including culpable homicide, when negligence results in loss of life.

Police investigations are expected to determine whether building owners or contractors violated any of these laws. Meanwhile, the name of the deceased will be released once her next of kin have been informed.