How a South African man murdered one, but killed 77

In a startling turn of events, a 29-year-old man has been arrested after admitting to starting a fire in South Africa that killed 76 people last year while getting rid of a dead body. This revelation unfolded during a public inquiry investigating the cause of the blaze that engulfed a five-storey building in Johannesburg last August, as disclosed by law enforcement authorities. According to reports from South African media, the accused confessed to strangling an individual to death in the building’s basement before setting fire to the body. Allegedly acting under the influence of drugs, he claimed to have been instructed by a drug dealer residing in the same building to carry out the the murder. The unnamed individual now faces serious charges, including 76 counts of murder, 120 counts of attempted murder, and arson. The unexpected confession occurred during an inquiry primarily focused on identifying safety lapses that may have contributed to the deaths, rather than as a criminal proceeding. The tragic incident unfolded in a dilapidated building notorious for its illegal occupation by unscrupulous landlords, renting out spaces to numerous residents. A significant number of occupants were suspected immigrants residing in the country unlawfully. Johannesburg’s persistent challenge of neglected and deteriorating buildings, exacerbated by inadequate oversight, was underscored by this devastating event. The building, labeled a “ticking time bomb” by the city’s acting chief of emergency services, housed a densely populated community residing in precarious wooden structures. Furthermore, crucial firefighting equipment had been removed, leaving the residents vulnerable to such catastrophic events. The aftermath of the fire witnessed heart-wrenching scenes, with witnesses recounting desperate attempts to save lives, including people throwing babies from the burning structure. The accused is slated to appear in court soon, although a specific date has not been disclosed by the authorities. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for addressing safety concerns in overcrowded and neglected buildings within the city.