The inquiry into the Joburg CBD fire has hit yet another delay as Home Affairs’ legal bid to deport several survivors has come to light.
The commission of inquiry into the devastating Marshalltown fire, which claimed the lives of 77 people and made international headlines earlier this year, has apparently been unaware of the Department of Home Affairs’ intention to deport some prospective witnesses.
The two-phase “politically-free” commission of inquiry was appointed on 13 September by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi at request of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Commission of inquiry into Joburg CBD fire
Chaired by retired justice Sisi Khampepe, the independent body has been tasked with:
- Investigating the prevalence of hijacked buildings in the Johannesburg CBD;
- Establishing the cause of the deadly blaze which tore through the five-storey Usindiso Building on 31 August; and
- Identifying those who must be held accountable for the tragedy
ALSO READ: Panicking Joburg CBD fire victims were ‘squashed against closed gate’
Legal battle to deport potential witnesses
According to an EWN report, 32 undocumented migrants who survived the fiery ordeal are currently detained at the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
This is as they are awaiting the outcome of a legal battle opposing their deportation.
The Norton Rose Fulbright law firm is actively challenging the Home Affairs’ high court application to repatriate the fire…
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