A tragic building fire in Jeppestown, Johannesburg, has left more than 200 people displaced and claimed the lives of four individuals. The fire broke out early yesterday morning, leading to a swift response from the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS). Sadly, during the firefighting operation, EMS recovered four bodies—two on the first floor and two on the second floor of the building.
Three additional victims sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has vowed to take decisive action against hijacked buildings in the wake of this incident. The fire in Jeppestown comes less than a year after the devastating Usindiso building blaze, which claimed 77 lives and left over 150 people without homes.
Authorities suspect that illegal electrical connections may have sparked the fire. Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg EMS, noted that the building was never meant to be inhabited. "The building is an abandoned industrial site with makeshift partitions and sheet metals used by residents to create living spaces. It was never a residential area," Mulaudzi explained.
One long-term resident, who had lived in the building for over 20 years, expressed the harsh reality faced by many in similar circumstances. "We shouldn't be living here, but the cost of living is too high. The government doesn't consider the poor. Our electricity is illegal, with power cables dangerously running above our heads as we sleep. We live here just to make ends meet and send money home to our children," she said.
Mayor Morero confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the ownership of the building. "We have identified that the property is owned by a specific company, and we are working to hold the owners accountable for what has happened. The city has a responsibility to address the immediate situation and ensure this does not happen again," Morero stated.
To support those affected, the city plans to relocate them to temporary shelters. Mayor Morero also emphasized the importance of repurposing abandoned buildings as enterprise hubs for the youth, aiming to prevent such tragedies in the future and eliminate illegally occupied buildings across Johannesburg.