South African Mother Blames Striking Firefighters For Deaths of Her Sons

Posted by: Curt Varone July 27, 2015 0

The mother of two children killed in a fire in South Africa is blaming striking firefighters for their deaths.

The fire occurred last Wednesday in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, while Johannesburg firefighters were engaged in a work stoppage over not being paid for all their hours. They are seeking overtime compensation and improved working conditions.

Susan Mziyizani claims the refusal of firefighters to respond led to a nearly two hour delay and the deaths of her two sons.

“They must prioritise us (the public) first. They are the ones that wanted to work with people, they must not just sit and say they’re on strike. They were just sitting (around) while on strike. They failed to sacrifice those 30 minutes to help save my kids.”

The following day the firefighters were ordered by the Labour Court to return to work.

Here is a link to more, including a news video.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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