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More than 70 people have died and more than 50 have been injured after a fire in central Johannesburg in what's been described as a "hijacked" building – or one used by squatters.

Authorities say it’s unclear what sparked the blaze at the five-storey building.

Kat Sekhotho, reporter for Kaya FM, described a ''devastating scene'' with ''firefighters sifting through the building to see if anyone was still there or or trapped." There are suspicions, she said, that the fire was caused by ''illegal electricity connections''.

Reports suggest the occupants of the building were mostly African migrants.

(Picture shows a firefighter looking at the scene of a fire in Johannesburg 31st August 2023. Credit Getty Images)