Flamboyant Patriotic Alliance Vice President and MMC for Transport in the Johannesburg Council, Kenny Kunene, is blaming illegal foreign nationals for the hijacking of buildings in Johannesburg CBD. Kunene said at the heart of the social ills in the city of Joburg is the issue of hijacked buildings controlled by illegal foreign nationals.

Kunene was speaking to the media after his inspection of the Usindiso Place for Abused Women and Children, where 73 people were confirmed dead and 52 injured. Kunene also blamed the property law of South Africa which he says has led to the high rise in building hijackings. "Lawlessness is allowed to thrive in this country. Our law says if you leave your house for a week, for a holiday, you come back your house has been hijacked by a foreign national. Many people have lost houses in Rosettenville, Turffontein and Randburg. The police tell you, you must go to court and apply for an eviction letter, you go to court and they tell you must find them an alternative place to stay. This law must be scrapped, it is protecting illegal activities and illegal immigrants who are hijacking our buildings," said Kunene.adding that those who hijack the buildings around the city have realised that the government system is weak and they have found a loophole to use in their favour. "These criminals are everywhere. They are not operating only in the CBD, they are even kicking out people from their houses in Soweto," said Kunene. The Sushi King, as he is affectionately known, further said that the government must come out with a special unit to take back all hijacked buildings in Johannesburg. Kunene's words were also echoed by MEC for Human Settlement, Mike Maile, who blamed the cause of the fire on illegal immigrants hijacking government buildings.

Minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said that President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is currently in the Eastern Cape, has been briefed about the incident. Ntshavheni said that the President will make the necessary announcement as soon as he has received reports from both the province and the city. Ramaphosa has also sent his condolences to those who lost loved ones in the fire. "My thoughts are also with those who have lost their accommodation in this terrible incident. It is a great tragedy felt by families whose loved ones perished in this terrible tragedy. Our hearts go out to every person affected," Ramaphosa said.