Marshalltown Fire Justice Campaign shocked by suspect’s testimony
The Marshalltown Fire Justice Campaign believes the arrest of the suspect will reveal more of what made him allegedly start the fire.
The Marshalltown Fire Justice Campaign believes the police’s arrest of the suspect behind the deadly fire will assist further in the probe.
The August 2023 fire, which engulfed Usindiso Building in Johannesburg CBD, left 76 people dead and hundreds injured.
Gauteng police confirmed on January 23, that they have arrested the suspect in connection with the fire. The man (29) is facing charges of arson and 76 of murder.
Spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said he is expected to appear in Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, January 25. In a brief statement, Nevhuhulwi, “The man was arrested after he confessed at the Commission of Inquiry for being involved in starting the tragic fire. He is facing charges of arson, 76 counts of murder and 120 counts of attempted murder.”
The Commission of Inquiry was led by retired Judge Sisi Khampepe. In a statement, the justice campaign said according to the testimony from the witness, they are appalled by the motive for the arson.
The suspect’s act of arson was apparently an attempt to cover up an earlier murder he had committed at the behest of the slumlord in the building. Coordinator of the Marshalltown Fire Justice Campaign Mametlwe Sebei said the confession and arrest, will hopefully assist the investigations into the determination of the causes of the fire. “ We want this person and those responsible to be held fully accountable for the cruelty of the murder they are trying to cover up and the tragic deaths of all the victims of the fire.”
He said they demand a penalty to be meted out to the maximum permitted in law for this ghastly deed.
Related article: Joburg CBD Fire: Death toll of 74 includes 7 children
