Cyril Ramaphosa could address South Africa ‘within the next 48 hours’ -Image: GCIS/ Flickr
Ramaphosa confirms suspect in custody in the wake of Parliament fire
President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that a suspect has been taken in for questioning in connection with the Parliament fire.
Cyril Ramaphosa could address South Africa ‘within the next 48 hours’ -Image: GCIS/ Flickr
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived on the scene after a fire broke out at Parliament. The fire started in the early hours of Sunday morning and alarming images of the destruction have spread across social media.
Ramaphosa has confirmed that a suspect has been taken in for questioning in connection with the fire. Speaking to the media outside the National Assembly, Ramaphosa commented that:
“I believe someone is being held and is being questioned.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa
Arriving at Parliament to take stock of the damages, President Cyril Ramaphosa had been accompanied by Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Public Works Minister Patricia De Lille. The group carried out a walk-about to take in the damages.
Ramaphosa: Still reasons to be thankful
Commenting on this unprecedented situation, Ramaphosa says there are still reasons to be grateful despite the devastation.
“We must be thankful the offices have not burned to the ground. Everyone acted with speed and we are thankful that everyone mobilised. There are certain things that do work. We should be grateful that the National Assembly has not been razed to the floor. Our officials have really acted with great capability and speed.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa
President thanks emergency responders
Ramaphosa expressed his gratitude to the firefighters who responded to the emergency.
“The praise must go to the firefighters of the City of Cape Town. They intervened at the right time. Their appearance has saved a very important national key point.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa
Desmond Tutu would have been ‘devastated’
Highlighting his concern over the fire and the resulting damage, Ramaphosa dubbed the incident as ‘devastating’.
Certainly, the President says that this taking place just hours after Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s funeral has compounded the matter.
“It’s just really a terrible setback. The Arch would’ve been devastated as well; this is a place he supported and prayed for.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa
