Joburg CBD building fire suspect arrested after confession
Image Source: Medics and emergency workers at the scene of the Johannesburg fire in August last year/Sky News
A man has been arrested in connection with the deadly fire that tore through a five-story building in Johannesburg’s CBD last August, claiming the lives of 76 people. The arrest comes after the suspect made a shocking confession during a public inquiry into the cause of the blaze.
During his testimony, the man admitted to starting the fire in an attempt to dispose of the body of another person he had killed. He claimed to have been acting on the orders of a drug dealer who lived in the building.
Following the confession, police apprehended the suspect and charged him with 76 counts of murder, 120 counts of attempted murder, and arson. He is expected to appear in court soon.
The fire at the Usindiso Building was one of South Africa’s worst disasters in recent years. It raised serious concerns about building safety standards and the prevalence of illegal occupation in Johannesburg’s inner city.
The public inquiry is ongoing and is expected to make recommendations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
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