Pressmediaofindia
Related Articles
05-01-2022
CAPE TOWN: A fire that devastated South Africa’s parliament in Cape Town has been contained after it reignited on Monday, city officials say.
The fire first broke out on Sunday and completely destroyed the National Assembly, or lower chamber.
Strong winds caused smouldering wood in the roof to catch fire again on Monday, before firefighters doused the blaze.
Police have arrested a suspect who is due to appear in court later on charges of arson, housebreaking and theft.
No casualties have been reported in the fire, but the damage to the parliament has shocked the nation.
Authorities had warned that flare-ups would be possible because of carpets and wooden floors in the building but just 12 firefighters were on site when the wind reignited wood above the National Assembly on Monday, according to news agency AFP.
Despite reinforcements being sent, flames could still be seen emerging from the building as night fell.
“The fire was fanned by a strong south-easterly wind but firefighters managed to contain the fire just before 12:00 last night,” firefighters spokesman Jermaine Carelse told AFP.
On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa – who admitted the building’s sprinkler system had not functioned properly – praised firefighters for responding to the “terrible and devastating event” in minutes.
Meanwhile, a man detained for setting South Africa’s parliament in Cape Town on fire was found at the site with explosives, prosecutors have alleged.
Zandile Christmas Mafe, 49, appeared in a city court on charges under the Explosives Act, as well as for arson, theft and a break-in.
His lawyer said he was innocent of all the charges.
The fire first broke out on Sunday, totally destroying the National Assembly, or lower chamber.
No-one was injured the blaze, but it has left the nation shocked.
Mafe is the only person arrested in connection with the fire.
He looked unkempt and dazed in court, reports the BBC’s Nomsa Maseko from Cape Town.
As he arrived in the dock wearing shorts and a creased shirt, he removed his face mask and did a 360-degree turn as cameras flashed.
Police said Mafe had been arrested within the parliamentary complex after the fire started, but his lawyer said the wrong person had been detained.
The case was postponed for seven days to allow police to continue with their investigations.
Firefighters say they have managed to contain the blaze that reignited on Monday.
Strong winds caused smouldering wood in the roof to catch fire again. (BBC)
