Below are images of the fire supplied by SABC News reporters at the scene:
Parliament fire by SABC Digital News
The City’s JP Smith says the actual Old Assembly Chamber does not appear to be damaged although access cannot be gained as it may be water damaged.
“The roof of the building has collapsed on the one side and the fire has spread to the new assembly. They have detected large cracks in the walls which is an issue of concern. We have some of the specialist appliances such as the Bronto lift on the scene to be able to get water further to the back.”
President Ramaphosa assesses Parliament Fire situation:
Investigations
Ramaphosa says investigations must still be conducted.
“This is a national key asset and of course, we are still going to go into what caused the fire and it having started in the Old Assembly building, how it the moved to the National Assembly. That’s something that will be investigated. I believe somebody is being held right now and being questioned. But we need to go a lot deeper into how this type of event can take place.”
