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Falling shelves kill worker

THE Limpopo labour department, in conjunction with the SAPS in Tzaneen, has launched an investigation into the cause of a tragic accident that left a worker dead and two others slightly injured at a mega store in this week.

THE Limpopo labour department, in conjunction with the SAPS in Tzaneen, has launched an investigation into the cause of a tragic accident that left a worker dead and two others slightly injured at a mega store in this week.

The incident happened at the Tzaneen Magic Builders Wholesalers on Monday night.

The three workers, who were on night shift, were allegedly packing corrugated iron sheets on to shelves at the back of the shop when the accident happened.

The shelves allegedly collapsed, killing one worker and injuring two others.

The injured workers were taken to the Van Velden Hospital in Tzaneen, where they were treated and discharged.

A worker, who wished to remain anonymous, said the accident might have resulted from the company's failure to promote a safe working environment.

According to the worker, employees at the company were exposed to danger because they do not wear protective clothing.

Labour department spokesperson Joe Maila said they had sent inspectors to the store to investigate the accident.

"We condemn this tragic loss of life. The death of one worker is always one death too many. We will investigate," Maila said.

He said the department sent its condolences to the family of the deceased worker, whose name had not been released at the time of going to press.

Tzaneen police spokesperson Captain Simon Shikwambana confirmed that a case of culpable homicide was being investigated.

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