South Africa parliament blaze contained; National Assembly 'completely destroyed'

Flames and smoke rise over the roof of the National Assembly building as the fire at the parliament flared up again, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 3, 2022. Picture taken through a fence. REUTERS/Sumaya Hisham

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) -Authorities said on Tuesday they had finally contained a suspected arson fire at South Africa's parliament building after a second-day flare-up that completely destroyed the lower house National Assembly chamber.

A 49-year-old man accused of setting the fire appeared in court to face five charges including arson and possession of an explosive device. A lawyer for suspect Zandile Christmas Mafe said he denied the accusations and would plead not guilty.