All Article Properties:
{
"objectType": "Article",
"id": "2589763",
"signature": "Article:2589763",
"url": "https://prod.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-02-13-probe-into-joburg-building-hijacking-crisis-extended-yet-again/",
"shorturl": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2589763",
"slug": "probe-into-joburg-building-hijacking-crisis-extended-yet-again",
"contentType": {
"id": "1",
"name": "Article",
"slug": "article",
"editor": "default"
},
"views": 0,
"comments": 5,
"preview_limit": null,
"rating": 0,
"excludedFromGoogleSearchEngine": 0,
"status": "publish",
"title": "Khampepe commission faces setbacks as Johannesburg City delays vital evidence submission deadline again",
"firstPublished": "2025-02-13 16:28:03",
"lastUpdate": "2025-02-13 16:28:06",
"categories": [
{
"id": "29",
"name": "South Africa",
"signature": "Category:29",
"slug": "south-africa",
"typeId": {
"typeId": "1",
"name": "Daily Maverick",
"slug": "",
"includeInIssue": "0",
"shortened_domain": "",
"stylesheetClass": "",
"domain": "prod.dailymaverick.co.za",
"articleUrlPrefix": "",
"access_groups": "[]",
"locale": "",
"preview_limit": null
},
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://prod.dailymaverick.co.za/category/south-africa/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "Daily Maverick is an independent online news publication and weekly print newspaper in South Africa.\r\n\r\nIt is known for breaking some of the defining stories of South Africa in the past decade, including the Marikana Massacre, in which the South African Police Service killed 34 miners in August 2012.\r\n\r\nIt also investigated the Gupta Leaks, which won the 2019 Global Shining Light Award.\r\n\r\nThat investigation was credited with exposing the Indian-born Gupta family and former President Jacob Zuma for their role in the systemic political corruption referred to as state capture.\r\n\r\nIn 2018, co-founder and editor-in-chief Branislav ‘Branko’ Brkic was awarded the country’s prestigious Nat Nakasa Award, recognised for initiating the investigative collaboration after receiving the hard drive that included the email tranche.\r\n\r\nIn 2021, co-founder and CEO Styli Charalambous also received the award.\r\n\r\nDaily Maverick covers the latest political and news developments in South Africa with breaking news updates, analysis, opinions and more.",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": true
},
{
"id": "387188",
"name": "Maverick News",
"signature": "Category:387188",
"slug": "maverick-news",
"parentId": null,
"parent": [],
"image": "",
"cover": "",
"logo": "",
"paid": "0",
"objectType": "Category",
"url": "https://prod.dailymaverick.co.za/category/maverick-news/",
"cssCode": "",
"template": "default",
"tagline": "",
"link_param": null,
"description": "",
"metaDescription": "",
"order": "0",
"pageId": null,
"articlesCount": null,
"allowComments": "1",
"accessType": "freecount",
"status": "1",
"children": [],
"cached": true
}
],
"access_groups": [],
"access_control": false,
"counted_in_paywall": true,
"content_length": 1108,
"contents": "<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Part B of the commission tasked to investigate the prevalence of abandoned and hijacked buildings resumed in July 2024 with site inspections and hearings heard as of </span><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-10-25-a-glimpse-into-habitation-decay-and-hope-amid-hijacked-buildings-crisis/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">October 2024</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.</span></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The commission’s work was set to conclude on 31 January 2025, but commission secretary Thembekile Graham told Daily Maverick: “The commission has applied for an extension of the proclamation which was granted by the acting premier (at the time) and gazetted on 19 December 2024. This information was only shared with the commission on 27 January 2025. We are to finish our work on or before 31 May 2025 and submit the report to the premier on or before 30 June 2025.”</span></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Graham said the request for an extension was due to the delay in receiving all the documents required from the </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">City of Johannesburg</span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.</span></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">“The commission could not conclude its work. This is what remained outstanding. The possibility of recalling a number of witnesses who had testified on behalf of SERI also exists as the evidence leaders and other parties were not in a position to ask further questions without the required evidence from the City.”</span></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a recent </span><a href=\"</p><p><div class=\"noReload embed inlineVideo\" style=\"text-align: center\"><iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/6pm4wtmVtO0?rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></p><p> style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hearing</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero was summoned to explain why the City had missed its December 2024 deadline to submit requested documents. Instead of presenting a concrete plan, Morero requested an additional four weeks to compile and submit the information.</span></p><p><b>Read more: </b><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-12-19-usindiso-tragedy-city-of-joburg-ignores-accountability-as-mayor-eyes-site-for-offices/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usindiso tragedy: City of Joburg ignores accountability as mayor eyes site for offices</span></a></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Khampepe Commission, which was established in September 2023, has been ongoing for almost 16 months, marred by setbacks </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">including noncompliance with fire services bylaws and </span><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-12-20-usindiso-fire-advocate-thulani-makhubela-recused-from-inquiry-over-controversial-anti-immigrant-sentiments/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the recusal application for one of the presiding commissioners, advocate Thulani Makhubela</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. </span></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first part of the commission also did not meet its deadline of November 2023. It was extended until the end of March 2024 and the report was released in May 2024. However, the City is yet to respond to </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">these </span><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-05-06-usindiso-blaze-inquiry-report-lays-blame-at-feet-of-city-of-johannesburg-officials/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">findings and recommendations</span></a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.</span></p><p><b>Commission frustration over City’s delays</b></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the hearings the presiding chairperson, retired Justice Sisi Khampepe, told Morero: “The City of Johannesburg is the linchpin into the work of the commission. We have had several difficulties with the City in terms of them not complying with the timelines they have set. It has taken us this step, which is unfortunate, that you should come and explain to us why the City has not been able to furnish us with the information that we have sought. The commission has a limited lifespan and has to come to an end.”</span></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The commission ordered the City to supply the required reports and information by 12 February 2025. The initial deadline was 10 December 2024. </span></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the run-up to the deadline Morero told Daily Maverick: “We are working on all matters as raised by the commission and we have agreed on the timelines to respond to the issues. The commission gave us more time to file all affidavits and we are on track for submission.”</span></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The commission confirmed having received the documents and statements from the City and stressed that the commission must finish its work within the prescribed time.</span></p><p><b>Usindiso inferno case stalls in court</b></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the commission drags on, so does the case of the confessed arsonist and the Usindiso fire which claimed 76 lives and left dozens of people injured and homeless. The accused, Sithembiso Lawrence Mdlalose, has remained in police custody for more than a year. </span></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">His case, previously before a Johannesburg magistrate, has been characterised by postponements since July 2024. In December 2024, the matter was transferred to the Johannesburg High Court where Mdlalose will make his first appearance on Friday, 14 February.</span></p><p><b>Read more: </b><a href=\"https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-01-15-young-survivors-of-the-usindiso-inferno-unplaced-in-schools-17-months-later/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Young survivors of the Usindiso inferno unplaced in schools — 17 months later</span></a></p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the many delays in the inquiry, </span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">justice for the Usindiso fire victims remains out of reach, while the City’s failure to respond to and act on part one of the commission’s findings complicates the problem further. </span><b>DM</b></p>",
"teaser": "%%page%% Probe into Joburg building hijacking crisis extended yet again",
"externalUrl": "",
"sponsor": null,
"authors": [
{
"id": "74454",
"name": "Michelle Banda",
"image": "https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Michelle_Banda-1.png",
"url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/michelle-banda/",
"editorialName": "michelle-banda",
"department": "",
"name_latin": ""
}
],
"description": "Justice for the Usindiso inferno victims remains a distant dream as the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry faces delays, while the court case of the confessed arsonist, Sithembiso Lawrence Mdlalose, has come to a standstill. He was arrested more than a year ago and remains in custody.",
"keywords": [
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "3978",
"name": "Johannesburg",
"url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag//",
"slug": "johannesburg",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Johannesburg",
"translations": null,
"collection_id": null,
"image": ""
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "8010",
"name": "High Court",
"url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag//",
"slug": "high-court",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "High Court",
"translations": null,
"collection_id": null,
"image": ""
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "49773",
"name": "hijacked buildings",
"url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag//",
"slug": "hijacked-buildings",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "hijacked buildings",
"translations": null,
"collection_id": null,
"image": ""
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "358781",
"name": "Johannesburg Magistrate Court",
"url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag//",
"slug": "johannesburg-magistrate-court",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Johannesburg Magistrate Court",
"translations": null,
"collection_id": null,
"image": ""
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "383928",
"name": "Dada Morero",
"url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag//",
"slug": "dada-morero",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Dada Morero",
"translations": null,
"collection_id": null,
"image": ""
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "403803",
"name": "delay",
"url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag//",
"slug": "delay",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "delay",
"translations": null,
"collection_id": null,
"image": ""
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "415177",
"name": "Usindiso",
"url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag//",
"slug": "usindiso",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Usindiso",
"translations": null,
"collection_id": null,
"image": ""
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "417149",
"name": "Sithembiso Mdlalose",
"url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag//",
"slug": "sithembiso-mdlalose",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Sithembiso Mdlalose",
"translations": null,
"collection_id": null,
"image": ""
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "425899",
"name": "Khampepe Commission of Inquiry",
"url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag//",
"slug": "khampepe-commission-of-inquiry",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Khampepe Commission of Inquiry",
"translations": null,
"collection_id": null,
"image": ""
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "430033",
"name": "Joburg buildings",
"url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag//",
"slug": "joburg-buildings",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "Joburg buildings",
"translations": null,
"collection_id": null,
"image": ""
}
},
{
"type": "Keyword",
"data": {
"keywordId": "430034",
"name": "14 February",
"url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article_tag//",
"slug": "14-february",
"description": "",
"articlesCount": 0,
"replacedWith": null,
"display_name": "14 February",
"translations": null,
"collection_id": null,
"image": ""
}
}
],
"short_summary": null,
"source": null,
"related": [],
"options": [],
"attachments": [
{
"id": "3074504",
"name": "Michelle-Khampepe commission-Whats up",
"description": "From left: The bodies of some of those who died in the devastating fire are lined up, some covered in blankets, others already in body bags. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) | Justice Sisi Khampepe, who chairs the commission of inquiry. (Photo: Sydney Seshibedi / Gallo Images)",
"focal": "50% 50%",
"width": 0,
"height": 0,
"url": "https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Michelle-makhubele-fireinquiry-MAIN.jpg",
"transforms": [
{
"x": "200",
"y": "100",
"url": "https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/cQdHhjOAwoFbWK8tKR-Wv3GRzeA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Michelle-makhubele-fireinquiry-MAIN.jpg"
},
{
"x": "450",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/dad_vEyBB9TxBItRO8Gw00q6daY=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Michelle-makhubele-fireinquiry-MAIN.jpg"
},
{
"x": "800",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/J7V6cve9nuV2L7j4l65JRvzVYis=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Michelle-makhubele-fireinquiry-MAIN.jpg"
},
{
"x": "1200",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/jTisS_xlTf0i8E7zoV_LUbrO3sc=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Michelle-makhubele-fireinquiry-MAIN.jpg"
},
{
"x": "1600",
"y": "0",
"url": "https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/i_g54TPFfLmdx-7-WLFuzlIuv54=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Michelle-makhubele-fireinquiry-MAIN.jpg"
}
],
"url_thumbnail": "https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/cQdHhjOAwoFbWK8tKR-Wv3GRzeA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Michelle-makhubele-fireinquiry-MAIN.jpg",
"url_medium": "https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/dad_vEyBB9TxBItRO8Gw00q6daY=/450x0/smart/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Michelle-makhubele-fireinquiry-MAIN.jpg",
"url_large": "https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/J7V6cve9nuV2L7j4l65JRvzVYis=/800x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Michelle-makhubele-fireinquiry-MAIN.jpg",
"url_xl": "https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/jTisS_xlTf0i8E7zoV_LUbrO3sc=/1200x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Michelle-makhubele-fireinquiry-MAIN.jpg",
"url_xxl": "https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/i_g54TPFfLmdx-7-WLFuzlIuv54=/1600x0/smart/filters:strip_exif()/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Michelle-makhubele-fireinquiry-MAIN.jpg",
"type": "image"
}
],
"summary": "Justice for the Usindiso inferno victims remains a distant dream as the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry faces delays, while the court case of the confessed arsonist, Sithembiso Lawrence Mdlalose, has come to a standstill. He was arrested more than a year ago and remains in custody.",
"introduction": "<ul><li>The Khampepe Commission investigating abandoned and hijacked buildings has received an extension until 31 May 2025 due to delays from the City of Johannesburg in providing necessary documents.</li><li>Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has been summoned to explain the City’s failure to meet a December 2024 deadline, now requesting an additional four weeks to compile the required information.</li><li>The commission's progress has been hindered by issues such as noncompliance with fire services bylaws and delays in witness testimonies, raising concerns over accountability.</li><li>Meanwhile, the Usindiso fire case remains stalled in court, with the accused's appearance at the Johannesburg High Court delayed until 14 February 2025, leaving victims without justice.</li></ul>",
"template_type": null,
"dm_custom_section_label": "Maverick News, South Africa",
"dm-key-theme": null,
"dm-article-theme": null,
"dm-user-need": null,
"dm-disable-comments": false,
"elements": [],
"seo": {
"search_title": "%%page%% Probe into Joburg building hijacking crisis extended yet again",
"search_description": "Justice for the Usindiso inferno victims remains a distant dream as the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry faces delays, while the court case of the confessed arsonist, Sithembiso Lawrence Mdlalose, has come to a standstill. He was arrested more than a year ago and remains in custody.",
"social_title": "Khampepe commission faces setbacks as Johannesburg City delays vital evidence submission deadline again",
"social_description": "Justice for the Usindiso inferno victims remains a distant dream as the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry faces delays, while the court case of the confessed arsonist, Sithembiso Lawrence Mdlalose, has come to a standstill. He was arrested more than a year ago and remains in custody.",
"social_image": ""
},
"time_to_read": 68,
"cached": true
} 
From left: The bodies of some of those who died in the devastating fire are lined up, some covered in blankets, others already in body bags. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla) | Justice Sisi Khampepe, who chairs the commission of inquiry. (Photo: Sydney Seshibedi / Gallo Images) 