Marshalltown fire inquiry uncovers scenes that led to the hijacking of the building
The inquiry was established to probe the causes of the blaze that killed 76 people last August and the prevalence of building hijackings in Joburg’s inner city.
Picture: Alpha Ramushwana/Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The Commission of Inquiry into the Marshalltown fire is beginning to uncover scenes that led to the hijacking of the Usindiso Building.
On Wednesday the inquiry heard evidence from a former board member of the NGO that ran the shelter for abused women and children before it was hijacked.
It has been revealed that the NGO known as Usindiso Ministries was funded by the Gauteng government and had a lease agreement with the Johannesburg Property Company.
The Marshalltown fire inquiry has heard how the founder of the Usindiso Shelter Jean Bradley was forced to go into hiding following threats on her life.
This was revealed by the shelter's board member Glyn Weldschidt who also decided to withdraw his services from the NGO two years before the building was hijacked.
He says the situation at the building was becoming unbearable, as occupants at the shelter demanded permanent residency in the building.
"I heard that it was being used as a place for prostitution eventually, and all those types of things, but I hadn't seen them happening.
So far, city officials, victims, NGOs and first responders have taken the witness stand at the inquiry.