The North West Health Department says on its social media page that investigations are underway to determine what led to the fire. Initial reports indicated that the blaze began in the hospital’s kitchen, but spread to other parts of the health facility. Patients were evacuated and no injuries have been reported. The department says patients have been successfully transported to nearby facilities. The Health MEC, Madoda Sambatha, visited the facility on the day of the incident.

Elsewhere in the North West, mop-up operations at the Mmabatho Palms Hotel, Casino, and Conference facility in Mahikeng are underway after the first legally registered casino in South Africa was gutted by a fire, the cause of which remains unknown at this stage. 

Among the 64 guests that had to be evacuated from the premises, was the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Land Reform, Zoleka Capa. She told eNCA, whilst at the scene, that there was no alarm or warning when the fire broke out, and as a result, guests had to “self-evacuate”. 

North West’s Deputy Police Commissioner, Patrick Asaneng, says the findings into the fire at the hotel are likely to be publicised next week. Whereas the Peermont Group, which owns the Mahikeng hotel, says the facility is likely to be shut down for a minimum of three months.

OFM News