Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
15 September 2023 | 22:03 CAT

Image: Power 98.7

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says the commission of inquiry into the Marshalltown fire will investigate the prevalence of hijacked buildings in Johannesburg. Retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe will chair the inquiry, and it will begin its investigation on 1 October.

On 31 August, a blaze ripped through a derelict building in the Johannesburg inner city, killing 77 people and injuring many more.

Lesufi briefed the media in Johannesburg on the Terms of Reference for the Commission of Inquiry.

“The reason is for to have the necessary power to subpoena and protect and the legal framework to help us deal with this situation. We don’t want political representation. The aim is to help investigation all potential factors. A complete and comprehensive way to mitigate the chances of something similar happening again,” Lesufi said.

In an interview with Radio Islam International, the Premier’s spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla, explains the decision to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the Marshaltown fire.

He said, “There is a need to really find out what happened, why is it that so many people ended up perishing in such a brutal way.”

“Also, the circumstances surrounding the tragedy points to a much bigger problem. The available figure points to around 600 buildings within the Johannesburg CBD that are hijacked buildings,” Pamla added.

The provincial government has established a commission of inquiry to investigate the fire’s cause.

On Monday, Gauteng MEC of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Mzi Khumalo visited Marshalltown fire survivors in partnership with the City of Johannesburg Metro.

The purpose of the visit was to donate packs and sleeping bags to the affected residents.

The City of Johannesburg has provided temporary accommodation for the victims.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.