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19/05/2015: Joburg launches probe into firefighting procedures 

The City of Johannesburg Mayoral Committee has called for a prompt finalisation of a full report into events that led to the death of two Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) firefighters at the weekend.
This was after the Committee was presented with a preliminary report into events that cost the two firefighters their lives during an operation at the Nedbank Mall commercial building in the inner city on Saturday evening.

The report states that the firefighters were in full protective clothing – including breathing apparatuses with face masks and radios during the operation. This is contrary to ongoing allegations by unanimous media sources that this was not the case and that in addition, firefighting procedures were allegedly not entirely followed. The Committee also welcomed external intentions by interest groups to investigate whether Joburg EMS’ firefighting procedures were flaunted during the recent firefighting operation.

The preliminary report indicated that several hours after a team of firefighters begun operations on the burning building, an explosion occurred in the basement where the fire had started.  Two firefighters managed to escape while two others were later found trapped and unconscious inside the building. Paramedics administered advanced medical treatment, but sadly they could not save them.

The Committee has since sent its condolences to the families of the firefighters – Daniel Zwane and Micheal Letsosa, who have been described by the Committee as “fallen heroes” of the city. The Committee also wished the firefighters who survived a speedily recovery.

Firefighters form a very important part of the city’s emergency response team and the death of the two EMS team members is indeed a great loss to the people of Johannesburg. Senior city representatives have already met with the families of the firefighters and funeral arrangements are underway in Soweto and KwaZulu-Natal where one of the firefighters hails from.

A memorial service for the firefighters will be held on Thursday at the Standard Bank Arena.

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Issued by:
Phindile Chauke
Mayoral Communications
Cel. 072 360 1533
Email. phindileC@joburg.org.zaThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it