Joburg fire | Case against suspected landlord up in the air

JOHANNESBURG - The City of Joburg says one person was arrested in 2019 for hijacking the Johannesburg CBD building that was engulfed in flames and killed over 70 on Thursday. 

But that case is up in the air.

READ: Joburg fire | Cause of deadly fire still unclear

Johannesburg City manager Floyd Brink said, "Some challenges were encountered with the occupants and as a result of the hostilities and stalemate, the building was invaded and hijacked."

"In October 2019, the City through its Group Forensics and Investigation Services raided the building and as part of the operation realized the arrest of over 140 foreign nationals by Home Affairs and a suspect was incarcerated and charged for illegally collecting rental from tenants at the building."

"The case is with SAPS and no update is immediately available at this stage."