Identity Clothing management has not responded to requests for comment following the fatal collapse at Bhunu Mall, which claimed the life of 26-year-old employee Tiyandza Millenia Masilela.
When reporters approached one of the store managers yesterday, she declined to comment, saying the incident was still fresh and traumatic for the company.
The manager, who requested anonymity, said management was not yet ready to issue a statement regarding the tragedy.
As of yesterday, Identity Clothing management had not responded to further requests for comment.
The collapse occurred at approximately 5:30pm on Monday while the shopping centre was undergoing redevelopment following a devastating fire that damaged parts of the mall in July 2024.
Identity Clothing was reportedly closed to customers at the time, although some employees remained inside the store completing their day’s work.
A subsequent headcount raised concerns when Masilela was found to be unaccounted for. There was initially uncertainty over whether she was inside the store when the structure collapsed.
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Emergency personnel from ENFRES, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) and the Manzini Municipal Council responded to the scene as search operations commenced.
An eyewitness, who operates a business opposite Identity Clothing, said he saw the roof collapse before witnessing people running away from the area.
He further said the collapse was followed almost immediately by water splashing into the nearby Shoprite premises.
