Inspections of hijacked Joburg buildings reveal dire living conditions
On Wednesday, the commission of inquiry into the Usindiso blaze resumed its work by inspecting five buildings suspected of being hijacked in central Johannesburg.
The commission of inquiry into the Usindiso blaze inspeced five buildings suspected of being hijacked in central Johannesburg on 3 July 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Inspections into some hijacked buildings in Johannesburg have revealed the conditions that led to the Usindiso Building fire that killed 77 people.
On Wednesday, the commission of inquiry into the Usindiso blaze resumed its work by inspecting five buildings suspected of being hijacked in central Johannesburg.
The commissioners, led by retired Justice Sisi Khampepe, are investigating the root causes behind the scourge of hijacked buildings in Gauteng.
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In its final reports regarding the Usindiso Building fire, the commission noted the incident was exacerbated by the fact that the apartment complex was overpopulated.
The report said that the building had no running water, lighting, fire exit routes or any fire emergency equipment.
The five buildings the commission visited all had the same issues.
Residents who spoke anonymously to EWN said that they were aware that they are living under hazardous conditions.
However, many of them did not have the money to move to a better place.