Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Urban Planning and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Lebogang Maile, attended the ongoing inquest hearing at the High Court on Monday. The hearing is part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic loss of lives during the collapse of the bank of Lisbon building in Johannesburg in 2018.
Maile, who is also the acting Premier of Gauteng, was accompanied by the MEC for Infrastructure Development, Tasneem Motara, and the MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko. The trio’s presence at the hearing highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the families who lost their loved ones in the tragedy.
The inquest hearing, presided over by Judge Mmonoa Teffo, aims to determine the cause of the collapse and hold those responsible accountable. The collapse of the building claimed the lives of three firefighters, Simphiwe Moropane, Mduduzi Ndlovu and Khathutshelo Muedi, who were trying to extinguish the fire that had broken out on the 23rd floor.
In her opening statement, Judge Teffo emphasized the importance of this inquest, not only for the families of the victims but also for the public’s trust in the government’s ability to ensure the safety of its citizens. She also commended the government for initiating the inquest, stating that it shows the commitment to transparency and accountability.
MEC Maile, in his address at the hearing, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the tragic event are brought to justice. He also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that the government is doing everything in its power to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The inquest hearing is set to continue for the next two weeks, with testimonies from various witnesses, including government officials and experts in the construction and firefighting industry. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the collapse and help determine who should be held accountable for the loss of lives.
The attendance of MEC Maile and his colleagues at the hearing is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. It also shows that the government is taking the matter seriously and is determined to get to the bottom of the tragedy.
The families of the victims have been waiting for justice for far too long, and this inquest hearing brings them one step closer to closure. It is a positive step towards ensuring that those responsible for the tragedy are held accountable and that measures are put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.
MEC Maile’s presence at the hearing also sends a message of support to the families of the victims, assuring them that the government stands with them during this difficult time. It also shows the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.
As the inquest hearing continues, it is important to remember the lives lost in this tragic event and to honor their memory by ensuring that such incidents never happen again. The government’s commitment to transparency and accountability is a step in the right direction and should be commended.
In conclusion, the attendance of MEC Maile and his colleagues at the ongoing inquest hearing at the High Court is a positive step towards bringing closure to the families of the victims and ensuring justice for all those affected by the tragedy. It is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and it is a testament to their dedication to upholding the rule of law. Let us continue to support and stand with the families of the victims as we await the outcome of the inquest hearing.
