A 29-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the devastating Marshalltown fire, which claimed 76 lives and injured many others in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Suspect arrested for starting Marshalltown fire
The tragedy unfolded in the Usindiso building on 31 August 2023, marking one of the worst disasters to strike Gauteng’s economic hub.
The suspect’s arrest came after a shocking confession during the Usindiso Commission of Inquiry, where he admitted under oath to setting the building ablaze.
According to the police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the man confessed to the commission that he was involved in starting the fire, leading to his arrest.
He is expected to face charges of arson, 76 counts of murder, and 120 counts of attempted murder in the Johannesburg court.
During the in-camera session, the suspect revealed that the fire erupted after he set a body alight, which he had strangled on the night of the deadly blaze.
He stated that he went to purchase petrol, poured it over the body, and ignited the flame before fleeing the building. The man also admitted to being high on crystal meth, supplied by a drug lord known as the “big boss” in the Usindiso building.
The initial phase of the commission’s investigation has been extended to the end of March, with the report expected in April 2024. The second phase will conclude at the end of July 2024, with the final report scheduled for submission in August 2024.
Hundreds of the country’s poorest individuals resided in the Usindiso building, a structure lacking basic amenities like running water, toilets, and an official electricity connection.
These conditions, combined with illegal and makeshift electrical connections, have made such buildings prone to fires.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his profound sorrow over the significant loss of life, extending condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
“We are very saddened as government about the passing of so many people here in Johannesburg. This is unprecedented. Johannesburg has never had an incident like this where so many people die as a result of a fire in the centre of the city. This is tragic, this is very sad and I want to pass my condolences and that of the government to the families of those who have passed on and those who are still in hospital,” he said.
He emphasised the tragedy’s impact on the nation and called for collective action to address the underlying issues of poverty and unsafe housing conditions in South Africa.
The suspect is expected to make his first court appearance this week.
