Inquiry Begins into Deadly Johannesburg Building Fire that Killed 77

Probing Living Conditions and Criminal Exploitation behind One of South Africa's Deadliest Blazes in Dilapidated Building Housing Mostly Migrants

An inquiry has been initiated to determine responsibility in relation to a fire in Johannesburg that claimed lives of 77 people, placing emphasis on gangs who illegally seize and let out abandoned buildings.
The fire broke out in a ramshackle building packed with mostly foreign immigrants, with many of the victims being burned beyond recognition.
The building is alleged to have been overtaken by criminal groups who charge occupants fees for dwelling, exploiting them but also offering alternative affordable housing to those potentially left homeless.
Acting Chief of Emergency Management Services for the City of Johannesburg, Rapulane Monageng, described hijacked buildings as 'fire time bombs' due to identified fire hazards such as blocked emergency escape routes, stairwells converted into makeshift rooms and the diverting of water from fire suppression equipment for domestic use.
The building had been originally leased to a charity providing shelter for women by Johannesburg city authorities in 2016. However, the charity ran out of funds and ceased operating.