Joburg fire | Over 600 abandoned, derelict buildings in Johannesburg

JOHANNESBURG - Management and maintenance of inner city buildings is the sole responsibility of the municipality - and not the police.

READ: [UPDATE] JHB building fire death toll at 73

Gauteng Police Commissioner Elias Mawela says the SAPS has done many raids and sweeps of buildings that are occupied illegally resulting in arrests. 

He says police can only act if the city declares them condemned.

Mawela says there are at least 600 abandoned and derelict buildings in the City of Johannesburg.

He says while there are processes in place to try and rectify the situation, those living in these buildings illegally can't be evicted without alternative accommodation.