Man arrested for Parly fire faces housebreaking, arson charges
A 49-year-old man linked to the fire that ripped through parts of Parliament is expected to appear at the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The man, whose identity will only be revealed following his first appearance, faces charges of housebreaking and arson.
He will also be charged under the National Key Point Act.
This after a devastating fire broke out in the Old Assembly building on Sunday morning, tearing down the roof.
The fire quickly spread to the National Assembly building, also causing extensive damage to the chambers South Africans have come to know for its rigorous debates on legislative matters.
At least 70 firefighters were deployed to put out the raging fire, spending hours on-site fighting the relentless flames.
Government officials were on scene, looking on helplessly.
An aerial view of the Old Assembly building shows the roof obliterated. President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed 1 person is being questioned about the incident. 📸Supplied#ParliamentFire #ParliamentAttack pic.twitter.com/qlbVozyKXm
— Nokukhanya ‘Siri’ Mntambo (@khanya_mntambo) January 2, 2022
Public Works Minister, Patricia de Lille confirmed that the sprinkler system had not been triggered on time.
It’s understood it was previously in working order before Parliament closed for the December break, but on Sunday the valve for the sprinkler system was found turned off.
There have also been concerns about a security breach after an unknown man was found on the scene.
He was taken in for questioning and later arrested.
The docket was handed over to the Hawks.
Hawks spokesperson, Nomthandazo Mbambo confirmed an investigation had begun.
“The motive for his actions is subject to investigation,” Mbambo added.
Aside from the visible structural damage, it’s unclear how extensive the damage is and what cost.
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