Firefighters obstructed at Joburg inferno

Johannesburg - Massive plumes of smoke can be seen from the Johannesburg CBD after a building in End Street was allegedly petrol bombed, according to reports.

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Eyewitness News reported that the building in the CBD was set ablaze on Friday evening and that by-standers were preventing firefighters from extinguishing the flames.

According to reports it is uncertain what started the blaze, but bystanders claimed it was petrol bombed by its occupants.

Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for The City of Johannesburg's Emergency Management Service's, told EWN they do not have access to the building and have requested assistance from the police.

It is alleged the complex is a hijacked building.

WTF is happening in Joburg Cbd? Massive Plumes of smoke. Also two blocks away in Betrams - Raging fire and very angry crowd.

— Ang Lloyd (@ang_lloyd) August 1, 2014

Sounding like absolute chaos in the #Joburg CBD as a building is on fire with alleged criminals trapped inside... #Vigilantism #WakeUp

— donald (@angryknob) August 1, 2014

Hijacked *building*? RT @GarethEdwardsSA: A hijacked building in the Joburg CBD has been set alight after criminals were chased in there.

— Tilly (@MaS1banda) August 1, 2014

#joburgCBD fire is out

— thulani Ndlovu (@Mr_thulz) August 1, 2014