Commissioner Street fire: Building doesn't have owner, says Mayor Gwamanda
The two-storey building on 44 Nugget Street in the Johannesburg CBD recently went up in flames, killing two people and displacing 160 others.
Two people were killed in a residential building fire in the Johannesburg CBD on 21 January 2024. Picture: Joburg EMS
JOHANNESBURG - It has emerged that a building that was recently set on fire during a lover's quarrel in the Johannesburg CBD is not owned by anyone.
Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda revealed this during a media briefing two days after the blaze wreaked havoc.
Two people died and 160 others were displaced.
ALSO READ: Joburg CBD fire: CoJ to determine whether displaced victims are in SA legally
A woman accused of starting the fire has been arrested and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
While the building on 44 Nugget Street does not have an owner, city officials said they're investigating 188 cases of hijacked buildings across Johannesburg.
Gwamanda said, according to their records, there was an eviction order issued against the illegal occupants of the building in 2023.
“However, the case was thrown out of court on the basis that the alleged building owners could not provide sufficient information that proves that they did own the building.”
As a result, the building is now the city’s responsibility.