According to a resident at the house who requested to remain anonymous, the fire was allegedly started by a woman following a dispute with a male resident.
The property consists of 15 sub-divided rooms and six outside rooms, which were not affected by the fire.
All residents managed to escape the blaze unhurt, however, according to the resident, their belongings were destroyed in the fire.
It is alleged that the house owner died two years ago, and the house is now being used by drug peddlers, prostitutes and illegal immigrants.
On arrival, the Advertiser discovered that the house was in a deplorable condition.
Stinking piles of rubbish surrounded the yard with an infestation of flies and rodents, while a large number of used condoms could also be seen on the ground.
The overcrowded building is mostly occupied by women suspected of being sex workers and substance abusers.
Occupants of the property do not have access to water, electricity and ablution facilities, and according to the resident, utilities were cut off years ago.
The police admit that the building in question has been a major problem for a number of years, and they regularly conduct raids on it.
Boksburg SAPS spokesperson Mathanda Ngobese says drug-related arrests have been made at the property, however, the problem continues.
He says that the building’s occupants’ involvement in prostitution and drug peddling is being investigated by the police.
“To deal with this problem, we need assistance from government departments, including the municipality and the Department of Home Affairs, as well as members of the public,” says Ngobese.
Ngobese urges community members to come forward with information that can assist the police with their investigation.
