Johannesburg building fire: South Africa police arrest killer of 76

Authorities in South Africa said Tuesday that they have arrested a suspect of a deadly fire after his confession of killing at least 76 people in a Johannesburg building in August last year.

A South African Police Service spokesperson without giving details about the suspect said that he is expected to appear in court soon.

Authorities also added that the 29-year-old is also expected to face charges of arson and 120 counts of attempted murder, as he confessed to "being involved in starting the tragic fire" while giving evidence during a session of the inquiry.

Last year’s blaze that erupted in the Usindiso building in Marshalltown also injured dozens. The building was a residence of hundreds of poor people.

The blaze brought into light the neglected issues of buildings and constructions by their owners.

According to South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the fire affected the building which is called hijacked — a property abandoned by their owners and then controlled by gangs which are then rented out to migrants and people who could not afford other forms of residence.

A South African television station Newzroom Afrika had reported at that time that the fire engulfed a five-storey building that had been abandoned at one stage but where people had been living.

It was not clear what caused the blaze and the authorities have yet to ascertain the cause.

Among the injured, some suffering from smoke inhalation, and were taken for treatment at local hospitals, Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi had said at that time.

"The latest update is that we have now 73 fatalities and 52 people injured who were transported to various healthcare facilities for further medical care," said Mulaudzi.

The building is located in a deprived area of what used to be the business district of South Africa's economic hub, and was used as an informal settlement, Mulaudzi had said.