Man held for murder over South Africa building fire - BBC News

The man told a public inquiry he started a Johannesburg building fire that killed 77 people last August.

17 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The building was home to some of South Africa's poorest peopleBy Daniel De SimoneBBC News, JohannesburgA man has been arrested on suspicion of 77 murders after telling a public inquiry he started last August's deadly fire in a Johannesburg building.

The 29-year-old confessed while giving evidence at the inquiry, police said.

Last year fire gutted the Usindiso building in Marshalltown, where many poor people were living, claiming 77 lives and leaving many injured.

The tragedy highlighted the issue of buildings abandoned or neglected by their owners in South Africa.

A South African Police Service spokesperson said the suspect, who cannot be identified, is expected to appear in court soon.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-68074917?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

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