The commission of inquiry into the devastating Marshalltown fire, which claimed the lives of 77 people and made international headlines earlier this year, has apparently been unaware of the Department of Home Affairs’ intention to deport some prospective witnesses.
The two-phase “politically-free” commission of inquiry was appointed on 13 September by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi at request of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Chaired by retired justice Sisi Khampepe, the independent body has been tasked with:
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According to an EWN report, 32 undocumented migrants who survived the fiery ordeal are currently detained at the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
This is as they are awaiting the outcome of a legal battle opposing their deportation.
The Norton Rose Fulbright law firm is actively challenging the Home Affairs’ high court application to repatriate the fire victims before the inquiry is able to conclude its proceedings.
Despite the fact that the commission has not compiled a definitive list of witnesses, its spokesperson, Advocate Thulani Makhubela, stressed that there is a definitive need to assess the significance of potential evidence from individuals facing deportation.
“If Home Affairs has decided to deport someone, it would then be upon us to see how important evidence from that person is. We will basically cross that bridge when we get there,” he told EWN.
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The inquiry, which has been marred by delays, has been postponed indefinitely due to safety compliance issues flagged at the Usindiso Building.
According to Makhubela, the commission, however, hopes to resume its work at the beginning of December, which would be this week Friday…
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