WATCH | Jeppestown fire: 1 of the deceased had just celebrated his birthday

JOHANNEBURG - The family of two men who died in the recent Jeppestown building fire says they came to Johannesburg in search of greener pastures.

On Sunday morning, a blaze ripped through a hijacked three-storey building in the inner-city, killing four people. 

Among those who lost their lives were relatives, Malibonge Myeni and Kwenza Zulu. 

On Friday, Myeni bought a cake to celebrate his 25th birthday along with his cousin, Zulu.

ALSO READ: Jeppestown building fire survivors appeal to CoJ for better temporary accommodation

They celebrated long into the night. A day later, both men died after the building they called home caught fire. 

The family spokesperson - Bhekani Zulu – said the pair had recently moved to Johannesburg from Nongoma in KwaZulu-Natal. 

“The reason we came here is to try and get jobs. As a man, you always have to find a way to make a living. But also to be able to send money back home, that’s why we came here.”

Zulu said while the men were badly burnt, he was able to positively identify them at the mortuary.