Dylan Bettencourt
One of the country’s oldest casinos, Mmabatho Palms Hotel in the North West, was destroyed by a raging fire on Wednesday morning.
Local police confirmed the fire, stating that the Peermont Walmont Hotel in the resort had also been affected, but they could not provide further details.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said police and firefighters were at the hotel.
“The cause of the fire and the details are still unknown,” he said.
He said there were no reports of injuries.
Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform Zoleka Capa was visiting the hotel, according to News24.
A source at the hotel said: “She was one of the first guests to see the smoke and went outside screaming to wake up other guests.”
Recently appointed premier of the North West, Bushy Maape said that the incident will be a setback for tourism in the province.
Spokesperson for the Peermont Hotel, Nicky Evans, said the swift response of emergency services allowed them to control the fire before residents or staff could be injured.
The fire at the Mahikeng resort is being investigated with more details on the incident to be released once the investigation has concluded.
The website of the Mmabatho Palms Hotel claims they are one of the oldest casino resorts in South Africa. It was built in 1977.
Image source: @TheCitizen
