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George recovery operation will end by Friday

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Rescue and recovery operations at the George building collapse will cease during the day.

The George Municipality says the estimated number of individuals on-site during the incident was 81 but as the operation unfolded the numbers fluctuated.

During this past week, the remains of only one person were retrieved from the rubble.

Spokesperson Chantal Edwards says after 259 hours on site they can confirm a rescue rate of 54.8% as 62 individuals were removed from the rubble with the official death toll standing at 33.

She says the site will be handed over to the South African Police, Department of Labour and Employment, Department of Infrastructure and an independent structural engineering firm appointed by the Western Cape Government.

Edwards says access to Victoria Street remains closed from York Street.

She says speculation and possible causes by unofficial "experts" could impact negatively on the official investigation.

The public is requested to refrain from spreading malicious rumours and fake news and respect the privacy of patients receiving treatment in hospitals.