Cape Town fire guts minister's home, no injuries - De Lille reveals

• The Cape Town fire destroyed a minister's home, but no one was hurt and no was in the property.
• Families of three members of the executive were evacuated.
• The fire also came close to the residence of the Deputy-President.

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) Patricia de Lille has confirmed that the Cape Town fire destroyed a minister's home.

"Since Sunday morning, 18 April, we have all watched with horror the very devastating impact of the fires on Table Mountain. "Unfortunately, we can report that one Minister's Cape Town residence in Newlands (owned by DPWI) was completely destroyed by the fire on Sunday afternoon. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and no one was in the property at the time," De Lille said in a statement on Monday.

She did not disclose who the affected minister was.

In addition, family members of three members of the executive were evacuated from Walmer Estate properties where there was an immediate threat on Monday morning as the fire moved over Philip Kgosana Drive.

"The family members of one minister and two deputy ministers were evacuated from Walmer Estate properties. 

"The Department is in contact with the various ministries to establish the level of support the families need, but they have all managed to secure alternative accommodation, and we have informed them to notify DPWI if they require any additional assistance," De Lille added.

The above families were advised not to return to the houses due to heavy smoke and strong winds in the area.

De Lille further stated that the fire came close to the residence of the Deputy-President.

"In Groote Schuur Estate, on Sunday, the fire had come close to the Deputy President's residence, but police worked with the firefighters, and the fire was brought under control quickly in the area. There was no damage to this property," De Lille said.

The DPWI says that it continues to monitor the situation and are working with the local South African Police Services (SAPS) to support the efforts of the firefighters and SAPS to protect lives and property.

According to the City, the Cape Town fire - which caused significant damage, notably to the University of Cape Town's Jagger library and historical buildings, to name a few, has since been contained, but local authorities are monitoring the situation.

"We know that the very best effort is being made to bring the fire under control and extinguish it and wish all our firefighters and support teams strength as they continue to battle the elements," De Lille concluded.