Public Protector digs in the #JoburgFire at Bank of Lisbon investigation
JOHANNESBURG – The investigation was commissioned by an anonymous staff member from the Gauteng Department of Health.
The office of the Public Protect Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane has confirmed that they were considering a request to investigate the fire that engulfed a government building in Johannesburg last year.
The building, known as the Bank of Lisbon building, was engulfed in flames leading to the deaths of three firemen on 5 September last year.
At the time, the building housed three government departments, including the department of health as well as the department of human settlements.
The fire broke out on the 23rd floor of the building on the day and damaged as many as nine other floors.
Oupa Segalwe, the head of communications at the Public Protector’s office, confirmed to the North Eastern Tribune that they had received a request to investigate the incident.
Segalwe, however, did not wish to reveal who made that request, but simply said the person preferred to remain anonymous.
“We confirm that the matter has been referred to our office for investigation and the complaint was received,” he said.
“It was received on 4 February from a staff member of the Gauteng Provincial Department of Health who wishes to remain anonymous. The matter is being assessed for merit and jurisdiction. This is standard procedure.”
Only after this process will the Public Protector be in a position to make a call on whether or not to investigate, added Segalwe.
The Democratic Alliance’s shadow MEC for health, Jack Bloom, said their party supports the referral from the employee.
Bloom said many questions remain about the cause of the fire and who was to blame.
“There needs to be accountability for the fact that the building was only 21 per cent compliant with safety regulations according to a report released shortly before the fire.
“The Public Protector’s investigation should supplement other investigations in ensuring that justice prevails in this traumatic event that laid bare the incompetent governance in this province,” said Bloom.
Nana Radebe, the spokesperson for the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, has since said their investigation was still under way.
Details: Jack Bloom 082 333 4222.
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Related article:
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/225944/bank-lisbon-building-firefighters-honoured-bravery-awards/
