![vmexsa logo [front]](https://vmex.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-cropped-cropped-front-1-scaled.webp)
Four people were killed when an abandoned building caught fire in Jeppestown on Sunday.
The City of Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) firefighters said they responded to a blaze in the early hours at a three-story building.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi confirmed that firefighters managed to extinguished the fire.
“The blaze was extinguished after a concerted effort by the fire crews. During the subsequent search and rescue operation, firefighters discovered four bodies inside the building.
“Additionally, three individuals were treated for injuries and smoke inhalation.
“One who was critical was transported to Charlotte Maxeke hospital while the other two were taken to Hillbrow clinic for further medical care,” he explained.
Mulaudzi highlighted that they discovered all sorts of materials such as partitions and sheet metals which the occupants try and use to divide and create space to live.
He added that they will be handing over the building to the police for further investigations.
“At this stage, the cause of the fire is believed to be an illegal electricity connection,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, a 21-year-old man has been arrested after the body of a woman, and some items suspected to be stolen were found inside her stolen car.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the victim was killed during a house robbery in Standerton, Mpumalanga Province, on Friday evening.
“The suspect/s allegedly ransacked the house before killing the victim and put her in her Range Rover and drove with it.
“It is reported that an official from a tracker company was tracing the victim’s car when he found it at a petrol station in Moreleta Park in Tshwane in the early hours of Saturday,” he explained.
Lt Col. Masondo said while searching the car and the suspect who was driving the car, a body of a female was discovered in the car and suspected stolen items.
He added; “Laptops, cellphones, jewelry and deceased’s bank cards were recovered while two firearms and one replica firearm were also found inside the car. Police were called to the scene and arrested the suspect.
ALSO READ | Frustration for motorists as SAMWU members close Joburg highways
“He was charged with murder, kidnapping, possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of stolen motor vehicle, and possession of suspected stolen property.
The suspect is expected to appear Pretoria magistrate’s court on Monday.
