THE Commission of Inquiry into the tragic fire that claimed more than 70 lives in Marshalltown, Joburg, is underway.
Seventy-seven people died, while dozens were injured and left homeless at the Usindiso Building in Marshalltown after their homes burnt down.
The inquiry, which started on Thursday, 26 October and is chaired by Justice Sisi Virginia Khampepe, was constituted by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
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The commission was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
And also to look into the prevalence of buildings in the Joburg CBD being abandoned by their owners and taken over by criminal syndicates that then lease them out to tenants. They do this without providing basic services such as water, electricity, refuse removal and sanitation and paying rates and taxes.
The judge had earlier in October told the media that the proceedings will start with three witnesses and more will be called as the inquiry continues.
She said she has been given six months to complete the inquiry and issue recommendations, which she hopes the government will act on.
