Fire sweeps through Johannesburg shops

A fire swept through five shops in the Johannesburg city centre on Monday morning, Johannesburg emergency services said.

"No one was in the shops," said spokesman Robert Mulaudzi.

"We are still busy extinguishing it."

The cause of the fire, which was reported at around 6am, was unknown.

The five shops were situated along Bree and Mooi streets.

Mulaudzi said motorists should be cautious when driving in the vicinity.

Metro police spokesman Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said traffic was being diverted.

He said the damage of the fire was extensive.