Africa-Press – South-Africa. The question of how many people actually died in the deadly Usindiso building fire in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, will be addressed at the commission of inquiry, beginning on 26 October. This was revealed during a sideline conversation at Tuesday’s press briefing to announce developments around the inquiry.
The inquiry will be chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, who said the original 1 October commencement date was extended because of a problem with procurement services and organising a venue.
Reportedly, 77 people died on 31 August – 74 at the scene and three in hospital. A source at the briefing said the actual count was 76. According to inquiry spokesperson advocate Thulani Makhubela, the inquest is investigating how many people died because of new evidence that has come to light.
Makhubela said the discrepancy was due to the fact that many bodies were removed as just body parts – and there could be an instance where a body was counted, and not part of a body. He cautioned, however, that this was subject to an investigation and could only be stated as fact once it was reported as such during the inquiry.
The building caught alight after 01:00, with the fire starting on the bottom floor. As hundreds of residents tried to leave the building, many perished on the bottom floor in front of a locked gate at the exit.
Others went to windows on the top floors, where they jumped out onto mattresses put on the ground by neighbours. Some jumped to their death; others died after escaping due to smoke inhalation or severe burns.
The Khampepe Inquiry will take place in two parts. Other than the commencement date, the other dates are still to be determined. Makhubela said that, despite the late start, the inquiry would be meticulous.
“We won’t compromise – so, if there is a need to extend [the inquest], a decision on that matter will be publicised,” he said.
Khampepe said: The probe is expected to last six months. The first part of the inquiry will investigate how the fire started and the prevalence of hijacked buildings in the city.
The second part of the inquiry will focus on recommendations, based on the findings of the first investigation. It will also examine who is liable for the fire and the deaths.
As for the costs, Khampepe said the province had provided the budget – and, because Premier Panyaza Lesufi could not say what the budget would be, “we can also not say what the budget is”.
Makhubele said the number of witnesses to be called to testify was not yet known, but that there would definitely be three witnesses called on the first week of Part A of the inquiry.
The inquiry called on the public to come forward if they had information or evidence regarding the fire in Marshalltown. Witnesses are encouraged to visit Building C at Sunnyside Office Park, where the inquest will be held, to give testimony or to provide evidence.
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