DA files culpable homicide complaint against JPC's Helen Botes
The Democratic Alliance (DA) filed the case earlier on Tuesday, citing alleged failure on her part to properly manage the Usindiso building in Marshalltown.
City of Joburg's acting Chief Operating Officer, Helen Botes. Picture: Jhbproperty/X.com
JOHANNESBURG - The Johannesburg Property Company’s (JPC) CEO, Helen Botes, is on the wrong side of the law again after a case of culpable homicide has been opened against her.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) filed the case earlier on Tuesday, citing alleged failure on her part to properly manage the Usindiso building in Marshalltown.
The building was destroyed by a devastating fire in August 2023, claiming 76 lives.
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A key finding from the commission of inquiry into the blaze concluded that Botes should be held accountable for the tragic incident.
Botes, who is currently also acting as the City of Joburg’s chief operating officer, is not new to allegations of incompetence.
A 2021 report by the Special Investigating Unit implicated her in financial mismanagement, which cost the metro more than R18 million.
The Usindiso Commission of Inquiry concluded that the fatal fire at the hijacked building could have been prevented if the JPC had properly managed the property.
DA regional leader, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, said that Botes must be held accountable for her alleged incompetence.
"There had been no accountability. So we opened a case of culpable homicide against Helen Botes because the Khampepe report has issued recommendations, and they should be implemented."
The City of Joburg and the Gauteng government are yet to implement the commission’s recommendations.