Usindiso building inquiry commission submits final report to Lesufi
Lesufi established the commission two years ago after 77 people brutally lost their lives when a massive fire tore through the hijacked Joburg CBD building.
Emergency workers at the scene of the deadly Joburg CBD fire that claimed 77 lives on 31 August 2023. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - The commission of inquiry into the deadly Usindiso building fire has concluded its work, with a final report submitted to Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi.
Lesufi established the commission two years ago after 77 people brutally lost their lives when a massive fire tore through the hijacked Joburg CBD building.
Its primary purpose was to probe the cause of the blaze and investigate the building hijacking syndicate in the city.
Lesufi confirmed at a media briefing on Thursday that he’ll soon make the final report public.
Very early into the Usindiso building fire commission of inquiry, a man named Sthembiso Mdlalose confessed to igniting what is now known as the country’s most tragic fire.
Mdlalose was subsequently arrested and is currently facing trial for charges including murder, attempted murder and arson.
The inquiry also heard that some municipal councillors were at the centre of facilitating the hijacking of some buildings in the CBD.
Lesufi said he’s currently studying the commission’s report and will soon make the recommendations public.
“We are finally closing the Khampepe commission. I’ve received the report of the commission.”
In its preliminary report, the commission recommended the City of Johannesburg take the blame for the deadly blaze.