The affected building, a former five-story structure situated in the heart of the urban center, was being used as a shelter by immigrants from neighboring countries who were experiencing homelessness.

The fire, which occurred in the early hours of last Thursday morning, completely consumed the building, turning it into a scene of tragic destruction.

Breaking News: Uproar as Xenophobic Fire kills Illegal Immigrants who have Hijacked a Building in Johannesburg CBD.
80% of Buildings are Hijacked, they are a Health & Fire Hazard. The City of Joburg Does not Have Building Inspectors. More will Unfortunately Perish @CityofJoburgZA pic.twitter.com/UFAE5D1UlN

— @Kommander_Josh (@Kommander_Josh) August 31, 2023

Despite the efforts of emergency teams, the search and recovery operation is still underway amidst the charred debris, in search of survivors and to determine the full magnitude of the tragedy.

Kerk St Johannesburg CBD this morning 👇 pic.twitter.com/V5bIsFDQo2

— Saffa_unique (@unique_saffa) August 24, 2023

According to local authorities, many of the bodies were found piled up near a locked door, which would have prevented them from escaping the rapidly engulfing flames.

Eyewitnesses recounted heartbreaking scenes of desperate individuals, some of whom resorted to jumping out of windows in a desperate attempt to save their lives.

🇿🇦 More than 60 dead after fire engulfed building in South Africa's Johannesburg

At least 64 people were killed and 43 injured on Thursday in a fire in the central business district of South Africa's biggest city of Johannesburg, the municipal government said. pic.twitter.com/LfAoQp6uMZ

— MARIA (@its_maria012) August 31, 2023

This tragic incident has once again highlighted the issue of illegal occupation of abandoned buildings in Johannesburg. The city has witnessed the establishment of more than 80 makeshift huts inside vacant properties, where vulnerable individuals seek precarious refuge.

We know some of them are here in South Africa illegally hence they are staying in hijacked buildings in Johannesburg CBD but nobody deserves to die like this, what we're seeing today it's something I will never wish even for my worst enemy, may their souls rest in peace 🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/BumdRnWthH

— Simtho Biyela (@SimthoBiyela) August 31, 2023

With information from the BBC.