Johannesburg fire and rescue services descended on a building that was on fire in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, on Friday.
SEE: Firefighters battle against ANOTHER building on fire in Marshalltown
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Details about the incident were not readily available when this article was published. However, according to The Citizen, the building engulfed in flames is situated only a few blocks away from the hijacked structure that caught flames and killed 77 illegal occupants on 31 August 2023.
In a statement, City of Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi confirmed the incident took place at a three-storey building and that the “fire has been contained only in the basement.”
READ MORE – Johannesburg fire: photos and interviews with an eye witness and rescuer
Mulaudzi added that only one person was treated for smoke inhalation.
When this article was published, fire and rescue teams were at the scene dousing the inferno and combing the scene for victims.
While this is a developing story, it’s believed the building was abandoned and illegally occupied.
@CityofJoburgEMS Firefighters are currently responding to a 3 storey building on fire in Marshalltown fire has been contained only in the basement one person treated for smoke inhalation
— Cojems Spokesperson (@RobertMulaudzi) September 15, 2023
@CityofJoburgZA @CoJPublicSafety pic.twitter.com/sifUmtPqHJ
This incident surfaces two days after the Gauteng provincial government has announced the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate the tragic Marshalltown fire.
In a media briefing held on Wednesday, 13 September 2023, the government revealed the terms of reference for the inquiry, which will focus on the devastating Usindiso Building fire that claimed the lives of 77 individuals.
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The commission, to be chaired by retired constitutional justice, Sisi Khampepe, will be conducted in two distinct phases to ensure a comprehensive examination of the incident.
The initial phase will delve into determining the root cause of the fire, while the second phase will specifically address the issue of hijacked buildings within the province.
Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, stressed that the inquiry would not disrupt any ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies, Parliament, or the City of Johannesburg.
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Lesufi clarified the rationale behind establishing this independent inquiry, stating:
“There are many people who felt this was a waste of money and resources, that we should have left it to other institutions to investigate and our argument is very clear – we didn’t want institutions that have political representation where you find a certain committee of a legislature or Parliament to probe this matter.”