Rescue efforts at the site of the collapsed half-built mall in South Africa have been briefly suspended.

Police spokesperson Thulani Zwane told newsmen that the search for survivors would resume after some of the concrete blocks were cleared.

About two people have died and there are fears that some construction workers, possibly 40, are trapped in the rubble at the site in Tongaat town.

Officials revealed that about 30 people have been rescued, some with traumatic injuries adding that 11 of those taken to hospitals in the area are critically injured.

The deputy mayor of the municipality Nomvuzo Shabalala told South African media that authorities had obtained an injunction a month ago to halt construction at the site in Tongaat, which is a small town about 40km (25 miles) north of Durban.

she noted that there are areas of the law that they [construction firms] did not follow in terms of building adding that they were not aware that they were continuing building.