The fire that has engulfed Parliament buildings for more than a day stubbornly continues to burn with fresh reports saying there has been a “flare-up of flames on the roof”.
“The presiding officers of Parliament have noted with distress yet another flare-up of flames on the roof of the National Assembly building in Cape Town,” said Spokesperson of Parliament Moloto Mothapo on Monday.
“The almost two-day brave and courageous battle by firefighters against the flames that gutted various buildings of Parliament suffered a setback when flames suddenly flared up from the roof of the building this afternoon.”
Mothapo said firefighters at the scene had been reinforced following the sudden re-emergence of the raging fire.
He said there were six firefighting appliances and a hydraulic platform, with 34 firefighters actively fighting the flames.
“The resurgence of the fire follows earlier information from firefighters regarding the risky high-temperature levels at the gutted buildings,” said Mothapo.
“The multi-agency and multi-pronged team of engineers, which arrived at Parliament today was scheduled to begin with its investigative work.
“The presiding officers continue to be encouraged by the resilience, courage, and bravery of the firefighters in their battle to bring the fire under complete control.”
Meanwhile, the 49-year-old man who was found trapped inside the burning buildings remains in police custody.
He has been charged with housebreaking and theft, arson and will also be charged under The National Key Point Act.
The suspect will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 4 January 2022.
