The tragic fire that gutted a five-storey building in the heart of Johannesburg last August left an entire country in mourning after the loss of 76 innocent lives. In a recent report, retired judge Sisi Khampepe said the City of Johannesburg and its entities were partly responsible for the disaster.
Judge Khampepe pointed the finger at the City of Johannesburg, which owns the building, saying its blatant neglect of the critical condition of the building had contributed to the tragedy. She highlighted a total lack of consideration for the safety of the occupants of this building, which has become a real death trap.
The judge’s recommendation is clear: disciplinary action must be taken against the managing director of the Johannesburg Property Company, responsible for managing the city’s real estate. In addition, she recommends the demolition of the burned building, and proposes the installation of a commemorative plaque in tribute to the victims, including many children.
During this investigation, a surprising twist captivated public opinion: a man came forward to confess that he had started the fire with the aim of burning the body of a man whom he allegedly killed on orders from ‘a drug trafficker. This individual was arrested and charged with 76 counts of murder and arson.
This tragedy brought to light South Africa’s serious housing crisis, highlighting the irresponsible practices of crooked landlords who rent unsanitary spaces to desperate people in need of shelter. The consequences of the fire were devastating, with at least 12 children dead and 86 injured.
This dark affair poignantly illustrates the flaws in the system, calling for urgent action to ensure the safety and dignity of all citizens. Hope lies in the justice that must be served for the victims and in concrete measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.