Deaths were avoidable

"The board of directors of the JPC must consider taking appropriate action against Ms Botes," said retired judge Sisi Khampepe's report that investigated the deaths of 76 people when a fire broke out in the Usindiso building in the CBD over a year ago.

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Khampepe said the disregard for proper maintenance for several years made the building susceptible to the deadly blaze.

She said the JPC must face a thorough disciplinary process to look at evidence of contraventions concerning its obligations of property management.

Had this been done, the tragedy could have been prevented as the group had been aware of the state of the building from as far back as 2019.