Kaya 959 Reporter
A 49-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fire at the South African National Assembly.
The fire started at around 3 am on Sunday in the parliament complex’s oldest wing. The building where the fire started was completed in 1884 and has wood-panelled rooms.
@TheJuggernaut88 Fire at South African parliament in Cape Town pic.twitter.com/M5JEWGCfEl
— Ian Collins (@Ian_Collins_03) January 2, 2022
A team of firefighters who were first to arrive at the scene battled the flames for several hours before being forced to retreat and call for reinforcements.
Around 70 firefighters were later deployed, some using a crane to spray water on the blaze.
Also Read: Cape Town fire fighters applauded for containing the wildfires
President Cyril Ramaphosa calling it a “terrible and devastating event”.
“We must be thankful the offices have not burnt to the ground. Everyone acted with speed and we are thankful that everyone mobilised. There are certain things that do work,” he said.
"This is devastating news it's a terrible and devastating event" President Cyril Ramaphosa speaking at @ParliamentofRSA following the fire that broke out this morning pic.twitter.com/14ZKZjw5Wt
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) January 2, 2022
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An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. The man who has been arrested is due in court on Tuesday.
“The fire started in the old assembly building. I believe someone is being held right now and being questioned. But we have to go a lot deeper into how this type of event can take place and what measures we need going forward,” said Ramaphosa



