By Refiloe Motakane: DA Councillor in Dipaleseng Local Municipality
DA in Dipaleseng urges timeous investigation following death of a child at a construction site
-We call on the municipality to urgently investigate how a construction site was left unsecured.
– A child passed away due to the municipality’s alleged negligence.
-The investigation must be concluded within 14 days and action must be taken afterwards.
1 September 2026
Release: Immediate
The DA in Dipaleseng calls on the municipality to prioritise its investigation into the unfortunate incident that led to the death of a child who fell into a trench on Sunday. It is understood that the child fell into a construction trench dug by a contractor of the municipality.
According to the municipality, there were two children who fell into a water-filled trench while playing in the vicinity of the construction area. One of them was rescued, while the other one could not be rescued.
Yesterday, the DA communicated with several municipal officials to understand how the construction area was left unbarricaded. However, at the time, no one was forthcoming with information.
Subsequent to this, the municipality released a communique confirming that an investigation into this matter is underway. Concerningly, the municipality cautions their contractors to secure construction areas and maintain appropriate public-safety measures throughout the duration of their work.
This raises serious questions and casts doubt over the contractors competence. It must be noted that Construction Regulation 5, under the Labour Guide states that the client,(municipality) must ensure that the principal contractor to be appointed has the necessary competencies and resources to carry out the construction work safely.
It must be known that the municipality’s inability to carry out projects with precision and follow the correct precaution measures has led to this fatal incident. Residents cannot be expected to trust an administration that cannot apply safety measures at construction sites.
The municipality’s disregard in this instance speaks volumes of the ANC’s administration. The DA will make sure that accountability takes place. We will not tolerate PR gimmicks, the municipality should conclude the investigation within 14 days and take action against those who are implicated.
We call on the municipality to ensure that the family of the deceased and surviving child are offered support during this difficult period. With this in mind, the DA expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the child who passed away.
For media enquiries:
Refiloe Motakane
DA Councillor in Dipaleseng Local Municipality
078 103 8538