Marshalltown fire: Makhubele urges undocumented foreigners to seek help from city
City of Johannesburg Speaker Colleen Makhubele on Friday urged undocumented foreign nationals who were caught up in the deadly Marshalltown blaze to seek assistance from the city.
This comes amid reports that some residents of the Joburg CBD building are afraid to seek medical treatment or relocate to temporary housing due to possible arrest or deportation.
Makhubele returned to the scene of the fire on Friday.
She said she was aware of one incident in which a Tanzanian national refused treatment at Helen Joseph Hospital.
"We started off with visiting the Helen Joseph Hospital. There is one resident who refused treatment because he is a foreign national. He actually ran away. We are concerned about that. We are still calling on foreign nationals who need attention, whether it's shelter or medical care, to come forth. We are not looking at documentation. We are looking at the humanity crisis," she said.
At least 74 people died in the fire, including 12 children.
Speaking as a prayer meeting was about to start at the site of the tragedy, Makhubele said the city would not only be saved by prayer but by the wisdom of those who are supposed to govern.
"It is not prayer that is only going to save Joburg. It is the diligence of those who are placed in the government to really do their part. It is the responsibility of citizens to be accountable, disciplined and follow the law," said Makhubele.
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