South Africa's parliament building ablaze again after Sunday fire

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNERSBURG (AA) - The second fire in two days broke out at South Africa's National Assembly building in Cape Town, authorities confirmed on Monday afternoon.

"Devastating. Distressing. Inexplicable. Fresh fire just broke out on the roof of the National Assembly Building. Reinforcements underway by firefighters. The battle WILL be won," parliament spokesman Moloto Mothapo said on Twitter with a video showing the building's roof in flames.

Mothapo noted that firefighters had been battling for nearly two days an initial blaze that broke out on Sunday.

Flames were sighted inside the National Assembly building on Sunday, with a dark plume of smoke visible in footage broadcast on local media.

The fire destroyed the third floor of the old assembly building, which included office space and a gymnasium.

Live video footage broadcast on local television on Monday showed firefighters trying to douse the flames on the roof from the air.

Police on Sunday said they arrested a 49-year-old suspect in connection with the fire and that the suspect is expected to appear in court on Tuesday. He faces charges of housebreaking and theft, as well as arson.