This archive report was first published on 4 January 2022.
January 4, 2022, marked a day of devastation for South Africa's parliament as a fire raged through the complex, bringing down the roof of the National Assembly.
The blaze, which began before sunrise on Sunday, was initially declared under control on Monday until strong winds reignited flames, leaving dozens of firefighters battling late into the night.
A 49-year-old man was remanded into custody until January 11 during a brief court appearance on Tuesday, charged with housebreaking, arson, and damaging state property.
"Firefighters managed to contain the fire just before 12:00 last night," said Jermaine Carelse, a fire department spokesman.
Despite fresh flames early Tuesday, firefighters were able to extinguish them, with four fire engines and 20 staff members monitoring the situation throughout the day.
No casualties were reported in the fire, but the damage to the nation's parliament has shocked the country.
The blaze tore through the wooden room where MPs normally sit, with Carelse stating that a parliamentary session would not be held there for a long time.
Parliament spokesman Moloto Mothapo confirmed that the entire chamber where members sit had burned down.
The fire started at around 5:00 am (0300 GMT) Sunday in the wood-panelled older part of the complex, a section that once housed South Africa's first parliament.
Completed in 1884, the historic section is home to treasures, including around 4,000 heritage and artworks, some dating back to the 17th century.
The older section's roof was completely destroyed, but the priceless collection of books and artworks was believed to have been spared.
Investigators said the fire broke out in two separate areas and the water sprinkler system did not work as it should have because the water was cut off.
Surveillance cameras showed the suspect in the buildings at around 2 am, but security only saw him at 6 am, when they looked at the screens after being alerted by the smoke.
