Cape Town – A retired teacher who lost three of her adult children in the deadly Boksburg explosion of December 2022 is seeking compensation for both her personal loss and property damage.
The tragedy claimed 41 lives and left many injured.
In the aftermath, the teacher — identified in court papers as Mama Rose Mashaba — filed a claim that includes compensation for emotional trauma, the loss of her children who were also breadwinners, and the damage to her home.
According to Eyewitness News, Mashaba has joined dozens of families in a R65 million civil claim lodged at the Johannesburg High Court against the companies and municipality linked to the tragedy.
The lawsuit has been brought by LHL Attorneys on behalf of 67 plaintiffs.
It names Infinite Fleet Transport, Innovative Staffing Solutions, and the City of Ekurhuleni as respondents.
Boksburg explosion: 10 died and 27 injured..#BoksburgExplosion #MDNnews. pic.twitter.com/Hnr9Xfen2m
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) December 24, 2022
As reported by The Citizen, Mashaba’s three children were among the victims.
“It’s still difficult,” she said, adding: “I’m just crossing my fingers and praying that we get compensated somehow. In my case, I lost breadwinners and my house was damaged.”
She further stated that her children were actively involved in helping underprivileged youngsters in the community, a cause she has continued.
“I still work with children, helping them with reading once a week and feeding them, just to keep myself busy,” Mashaba told reporters.
JHB CBD gas explosion , Boksburg fuel tanker explosion under bridge , Zama Zamas gas leak in Germiston.
South Africa has become Al Jazeera 😳 pic.twitter.com/r0diknxyyt
— #NativeOfBelaBela (@tsheko2020) July 19, 2023
Lawyers argue that the transport company failed to plan safe routes, the staffing firm neglected driver training, and the municipality did not provide adequate road signage or an effective emergency response.
As stated by the legal team, the claim includes damages for loss of support, pain and suffering, medical costs, and property destruction. However, lawyers also warned that the case could be delayed, as new court directives require mediation before trial proceedings can begin.
The City of Ekurhuleni has confirmed that it intends to oppose the lawsuit.
Officials have filed a notice to defend the matter.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
