The in a single day blaze ripped via a five-storey rundown constructing within the metropolis centre occupied by homeless individuals and squatters. Dozens had been injured.
The constructing was amongst many within the downtown space which have been deserted and “hijacked” by felony gangs who lease them out to households.
Unhappiness and grief
The hearth was among the many worst in South Africa’s historical past. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who visited the positioning, described it as a “tragedy” and “a wake-up name”, in keeping with media experiences.
The UN Secretary-Common was deeply saddened by the information, his spokesperson stated in a press release issued afterward Thursday.
“On this second of nice unhappiness and grief, he conveys his honest condolences to the households of the victims and to the Authorities and folks of South Africa,” it stated.
Mr. Guterres additionally wished a immediate restoration to the injured.
He added that the UN Nation Staff in South Africa stands able to work with the authorities to offer help to these affected by the fireplace, and to forestall additional incidents of this nature.
