Marshalltown fire: Inquiry hears how people in EFF regalia defended evicted Usindiso occupants
The building's former chairperson detailed harrowing accounts of how the property, which served as a safe shelter for women and children during his tenure, disintegrated.
Emergency workers at the scene of the deadly Joburg CBD fire that claimed over 70 lives on 31 August 2023. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - The inquiry into the Marshalltown fire has heard how people in Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) regalia defended occupants who overstayed their time at the Usindiso shelter after they were served with eviction letters.
The building's former chairperson, Glyn Weldschildt, detailed harrowing accounts on Wednesday of how the property, which served as a safe shelter for women and children during his tenure, disintegrated.
The Usindiso building was gutted by a fire in August, killing 76 people.
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Several witnesses at the commission of inquiry into the Marshalltown fire alleged that Operation Dudula raided the Usindiso building and assaulted foreign nationals.
The inquiry heard that people believed to be EFF members protected and defended the occupants who refused to leave the building, despite eviction notices.
This was revealed by Weldschidt, who witnessed the shelter slowly turn into a hub for crime.
“They first threatened J. Bradley [Usindiso shelter founder] by saying that they have a connection with the EFF. So, they basically sought help from the EFF to say that they won't move.”
While the EFF is yet to respond to the allegations its spokesperson, Sinawo Tambi, said the party was unaware of this.