The City of Cape Town (COCT) has commended the brave firefighters who played an important role to help blaze the devastating fire that broke out at Parliament on Sunday, January 2.
In a small ceremony hosted at the Roeland Fire Station on Wednesday, January 5 the brave men and woman was honoured by the National Assembly, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula for containing the fire at the precincts of Parliament over the last three days.
Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde indicated that time and again, brave firefighters have shown up and tirelessly battled dangerous fire lines with expert precision and unrelenting dedication.
“They are quite simply heroes and heroines, making us feel safer during times of great risk. Thank you once again for all you do, despite the dangers and challenges you face in the line of duty,” Winde said.
Also read: Parliament fire: Firefighters claim they were not given any refreshments
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith, further mentioned in a Facebook post that while some people will describe it as the firefighters just doing their “job” for many it’s a calling.
Meanwhile, the man who is allegedly responsible for the fire at Parliament made his first appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, January 4.
According to the spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Western Cape, Eric Ntabazalila the suspect faces two counts of arson, possession of an explosive device and destruction of essential infrastructure.
“The case has been postponed until January 11, for the state and investigators to confirm certain information which includes the residential address of the suspect, whether he has assets.
“The issue also is that the investigators have not been able to go to Parliament to assess the damage. When we come back next Tuesday we will have that info. The defence will also apply for bail but the state will oppose it,” Ntabazalila said.
Read more:
An open letter to Cape Town firefighters who raised our flag high in the flames
Picture: COCT