Sanco demands probe into Mmabatho Palms hotel fire

The South African National Civil Organisation (Sanco) has called for an thorough investigation into the fire that ripped through the historic Mmabatho Palms Hotel in Mahikeng on Wednesday.

The blaze broke out at hotel in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

It’s not yet clear what sparked the flames.

Provincial chairperson Paul Sebegoe said this is  a serious concern.

"This actually requires an urgent investigation. It would be of interest if such high-profile people of government may have slept there yesterday or whether is a coincidence. This situation is unsuitable, we urge for an immediate investigation to make a determination on potential cause."

Sebegoe said local fire fighters do not have adequate equipment to quickly extinguish the flames.

"We have observed every time there are fires catching up buildings within the jurisdiction of Mafikeng municipality, there is as a slow reaction. There has not been any success rate in the past, we therefore point out very clearly that there seems to be serious problem regarding their facilities and fire equipment."

He said this could also have a negative impact on the local tourism industry.

“The history of the hotel itself has been a casino, there has been a lot of economic activities taking place there, so automatically it means that money would not be available to rotate within the local economy as a result of non-activity at the hotel.”

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