South African authorities announced on Wednesday the apprehension of a 29-year-old man suspected of igniting a fire that claimed the lives of over 70 individuals in Johannesburg last year.
The arrest took place on Tuesday, following the individual’s admission of guilt during an inquiry convened to probe the tragic incident, according to police spokeswoman Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
“A suspect was arrested in connection to the Marshalltown fire,” police spokeswoman Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said.
Last August, a devastating blaze swept through a five-storey building, repurposed for illegal housing in central Johannesburg, resulting in the death of 77 people and numerous injuries. It marked one of the most lethal building fires globally in recent memory.
The arrested individual is anticipated to face charges of arson, 76 counts of murder, and 120 counts of attempted murder in court “soon,” as per police sources.
The unauthorized occupation of vacant structures in the city center remains a pervasive issue, often controlled by criminal syndicates who extract rent from occupants.
