Mmabatho Palms Hotel, situated in Mahikeng, North West, caught a light resulting in a massive fire. This incident happened during the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Here’s what we know about the Mmabatho Palm Hotel fire
Deputy Minister Rosemary Nokuzola Capa was a guest staying at the hotel. She said that she first noticed the fire at around 01:00.
Capa said that she was awoken by the smell of something burning. She then started to scream that there was a fire, to alert the other guests.
Capa said she helped many of the guests escape and get to safety. She has also criticised the hotel for its evacuation protocols. She claimed that none of the hotel staff assisted any of the guests.
There are currently not many details regarding the cause of the fire. Police said that they will be investigating and will release a statement once the information is available.
Firefighters were deployed In the early morning. Since then they had been able get the fire under control.
BREAKING NEWS- Mmabatho Palms Hotel, one of the oldest in Mahikeng, on fire. The cause of fire still unknown. There are reports that the fire started around 2am. #MmabathoPalmsFire
— Newsnote (@NewsnoteNetwork) September 8, 2021
VIDEO SUPPLIED [WATCH] pic.twitter.com/ESOpko6ArN
How has the fire affected the people?
Although there have been no reports of injuries so far, the fire has still greatly impacted the guests. It has also been reported that some of the visitors are still stuck in their rooms. Many people have reported that they lost valuable items to the fire.
The Mmabatho Palms Hotel has stood for 44 years. It’s also one of South Africa’s oldest Casino resorts according to their website. The loss of the hotel is a setback for tourism.
The people who live in the North-West province are devastated over the loss of yet another landmark.
This is what’s left of Mmabatho Palms Hotel
— Boitshwarelo Mothibi (@boitshwarelogm) September 8, 2021
Now Christiana Hospital is also burnt pic.twitter.com/mi7qVVsuky
Mmabatho airport closed down, Mmabatho stadium doesn’t work, Mmabana burned down &
— B_ (@Mabhekeshe_) September 8, 2021
Now Mmabatho Palms!
North West has long been neglected by this government and it’s sad. A province so rich in platinum
But the late Mangope warned about this & people thought he was just bitter pic.twitter.com/6RiDDUQJEM