Four individuals have died and more than 200 have been displaced after a fire ravaged a three-story building in Jeppestown, according to South African authorities. The fire, which occurred on Sunday morning, affected a structure being used by undocumented residents. Three injured individuals have been hospitalized. The Mayor of Johannesburg has announced plans to address issues related to hijacked buildings.
The mayor described the building as an abandoned industrial site that residents had partitioned with sheets of metal to create living spaces.
Building Unfit for Habitation
City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi states the building was never intended for living and suspects illegal electrical connections caused the fire. One resident lamented to South Africa’s SABC about their dire situation, revealing the unsafe and illegal nature of their electricity.
Investigation Underway
The Mayor has identified the building’s owner and is pursuing further investigation to hold the responsible party accountable. The city will provide temporary shelter for those displaced by the fire, which occurred less than a year after the Usindiso Johannesburg building fire that resulted in 77 deaths and over 150 displacements.
