South Africa: Officials investigate mall collapse

JOHANNESBURG — South African investigators on Wednesday combed the rubble of a shopping mall under construction that partially collapsed, killing one person and injuring 29. Police said a case of culpable homicide, or negligent killing, would be opened as authorities determine who was responsible for the accident.

Police Lt. Mandy Govender said the labor department was investigating contractors involved in the construction of the mall in Tongaat, near the eastern coastal city of Durban. The mall collapsed Tuesday, leading to an all-night search in which rescue team used heavy equipment, sniffer dogs and spotlights to sift through the debris.

The South African Press Association quoted a municipal official as saying construction should not have been taking place because of irregularities in the work.