Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his sadness following the death of more than 70 people in a fire in Johannesburg in the early hours of Thursday.
Several others were were injured, while at least 141 families were displaced.
In a statement, Ramaphosa offered his deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured survivors a speedy and full recovery.
He said his thoughts were also with households and individuals who lost their accommodation and possessions in this incident.
ALSO READ | Johannesburg fire: photos and interviews with an eye witness and rescuer
“This is a great tragedy felt by families whose loved ones perished in this awful manner, and our hearts go out to every person affected by this event.
“This incident calls on all of us, from the emergency services and other entities of government to community-based organisations, to reach out to survivors to help restore people’s physical and psychological wellbeing and offer all material help residents may need,” the President said.
Ramaphosa hoped the investigations into the fire would enable communities and authorities to prevent a repeat of such a tragedy or to bring to book any culpable parties.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Twitter/@AdvoBarryRoux
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
