GALLERY: Firefighters battle blaze at Parliament
The City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services were alerted to a fire in the Parliament precinct early Sunday morning.
“Parliament’s Presiding Officers wish to confirm the breakout of a fire on the Parliamentary precinct this morning, however, the cause of the fire has not yet been established as investigations are underway by the relevant authorities,” says Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo
Mothapo says the blaze continues as firefighters try and contain it while ensuring minimal damage.
“The fire has affected both the Old Assembly Wing and the National Assembly Wing of the buildings of Parliament, which house the chambers of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.”
“The fire has been contained in the old wing. Firefighters are currently trying to control the fire in the new wing, where the fire has affected the National Assembly Chamber.
“We are distressed by this incident and the extent of the damage caused thus far to the precincts of the seat of the national legislature.
“We have urged all relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in establishing the cause of the fire. The public will be kept updated.”
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Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has described the incident as tragic.
He confirmed that a massive team is on the scene.
"We have approximately 70 firefighters on the scene who are actively engaged in fighting the fire," says Hill-Lewis.
"Obviously, we are still trying to get the fire out, so we don't know yet the extent of the damage, but there is definitely extensive damage to the building.
