CoJ denies responsibility for the rehousing of Midrand apartment fire victims

JOHANNESBURG - The City of Johannesburg has denied responsibility for rehousing over 100 families displaced by a fire in September. 
 
The blaze at Broadwalk Urban Village in Midrand claimed the life of a woman and left dozens of families, many undocumented, without homes or support.
 
On the day of the fire, the property owners promised to refund tenants their R5,000 deposits and provide temporary accommodation through Airbnb.

To date, none of those promises have been fulfilled.

READ: Midrand apartment fire victims abandon legal action as they're in SA illegally

When Eyewitness News contacted the City of Johannesburg, it denied committing to rehouse the victims, arguing the responsibility lies with the private landlord.
 
Spokesperson Chris Vondo: "I know for a fact that the city did not make any commitment regarding relocating those people. All that was said was that the landlord will take full responsibility while we investigate."
 
As talks continue, some families remain homeless.