South Africa: Inquiry into Deadly Johannesburg Fire to Start on October 1

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced a commission of inquiry into the fire in a five-storey building in which 77 people died. The commission of inquiry will be chaired by retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe and will begin its investigation on October 1, 2023, eNCA reports.

At the time of the August 31 fire, Number 80 Albert Street in Marshalltown has been described by health and safety officials as a firetrap. Preliminary investigations showed that the fire started on the ground floor, and that many residents became trapped behind locked gates as it spread. The building was packed full of flammable materials. Cardboard and sheets were used to separate the living spaces and electric cables hung from the ceilings.

The building was one of many illegally occupied derelict buildings in Johannesburg, crammed full of people too poor to afford even the lowest rents.

This article originally appeared on AllAfrica.