President Ramaphosa Enforces Laws Over Hijacked Buildings

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the enforcement of laws to prevent the unlawful occupation of buildings in Johannesburg. 

His comments come after a fire broke out in a five-storey building that was illegally occupied, resulting in the deaths of over 70 people.

The building, owned by municipal authorities, had been “invaded and hijacked” by unknown groups. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Ramaphosa stated that the incident serves as a wake-up call for cities and municipalities to pay attention to how people live. 

While encouraging people to live in the inner city, he emphasized the need to do so in accordance with the law. Government officials have suggested that some of the fire victims may have been renting from or extorted by criminal gangs involved in the “hijacked buildings” syndicates. 

Efforts to evict residents from illegally occupied buildings have often been hindered by court orders.

Many of these buildings have become hubs for drug trafficking and other illegal activities. Fires often break out due to the use of illegal electricity connections, gas burners, and candles. 

In the aftermath of the fire, police with sniffer dogs searched through the remains of the building for clues. Most of the victims’ bodies were burned beyond recognition, and DNA samples from relatives will be needed for identification.

Authorities have urged those displaced by the fire to leave and provided buses to take them to a homeless shelter. However, many have chosen to stay in the hope of salvaging their belongings

Keep Reading

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has described a deadly fire in Johannesburg as a “wake-up call” for the country. 

The fire broke out in a five-storey building that was occupied by homeless people, resulting in the deaths of 74 people, including 12 children, and injuring over 50 others. 

The city of Johannesburg has also confirmed that it owned the building but claimed it had been taken over by criminal gangs. They can’t identify the actual reason of the fire yet. 

Ramaphosa called for an investigation into the incident and for lessons to be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future. 

He highlighted the need to address the housing situation in the inner city, explaining that the building had been “hijacked” after its lease expired. 

Many buildings in the area, including the one that caught fire, are deemed unfit for habitation and are occupied by families who pay rent to criminal gangs. The buildings lack basic amenities such as electricity, running water, and toilets. 

South Africa is facing a chronic housing shortage, with an estimated 15,000 people homeless in Johannesburg alone.

Ramaphosa praised the emergency services for their quick response to the fire and efforts to provide accommodation for affected families.

Dexter

Recent Posts

Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko wins historic election victory

Senegal's ruling Pastef party has won a resounding victory in the legislative elections, taking130 of the 165 seats in parliament,…

November 22, 2024

Famine Risk Reaches Critical Levels as FoodCrisis Deepens In Gaza

Gaza’s hunger crisis is not only statistic, but a set of narratives such as Yasmin Eid, amother of six, who…

November 22, 2024

Kenya Launches Official Probe intoUgandan Leader’s Alleged Kidnapping

The government of Kenya announced that it is looking into the suspected kidnapping ofKizza Besigye, a well-known opposition politician from…

November 22, 2024

At least 7 members of the Nigerian security forces are missing after insurgentsambushed their convoy

A team of 80 security agents tasked with protecting the electricity grid was ambushed onMonday in Shiroro, Niger State, by…

November 21, 2024

Cryptocurrency Gains Momentum inAfrica Amid Global Shifts in Trump’sElection

Cryptocurrency becomes the new thing in Africa. People shift for stable alternatives aftertheir unstable local currencies. Many people believe Donald…

November 21, 2024

UAE Delivers Lifeline: 30,000 Food BasketsBring Hope to Sudanese Refugees in Uganda

UAE has also distributed 30,000 food baskets to Sudanese refugees in Kiryandongo refugeecamp Uganda to benefit nearly 100,000 affected people.Aid…

November 21, 2024

This website uses cookies.