Cape Town, Jan 3 (BNA) The fire that has already destroyed South Africa’s main parliament hall erupted again on Monday, about 36 hours after it broke out in the 130-year-old complex of historic buildings, authorities said.
Firefighters have been brought back to Parliament District in downtown Cape Town after flames reappeared on the roof of the main Parliament building in the late afternoon.
More than 30 firefighters are once again battling the flames, Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Karls told News 24 online.
Before the fire ignited again, authorities said it had been contained and began assessing the damage. The fire started around 6 am on Sunday.
The role of the man who was arrested and questioned by the police in connection with the fire is still a mystery.
The man is due to appear in court on Tuesday and authorities have not commented further on his involvement or any possible motives, other than saying he is likely to be charged with breakage, entry, theft and arson.
The man also faces charges under South Africa’s National Key Points Act, a security law that restricts access to government buildings and other places of national importance.
Authorities said the unnamed man was arrested on Sunday at the scene. South African media reported that he had to be rescued from the fire, while questions were raised about whether there was a deliberate attack on the headquarters of democracy in South Africa.
Parliament was closed for the holidays, and there were no reports of injuries in the fire.
The stately white and red brick buildings in the Parliament District were severely damaged. Parliament said in a statement that the fire had already torched a hall in the National Assembly building, where South African lawmakers gather to pass laws.
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