By Yaseen Kippie
The fire on the slopes of Twelve Apostles mountain in Camps Bay has reportedly made its way past a number of Kramats of Awliya Allah in Belsfontein and Bakoven, near Oudekraal. According to Sanparks spokesperson Merle Collins, the fire has now reached the picnic area of Oudekraal.
The City of Cape Town said the fire is still burning high up behind the 12 Apostles hotel. Last night, residents and staff had to be evacuated, due to the severity of the flames. On Friday, one chopper and a spotter plane were deployed and is using sea water to douse the flames, said spokesperson Richard Bosman.
The Cape Mazaar Society confirmed that none of the Kramats were burnt, but that the caretaker of Tuan Nurul Mubeens Kramat’s court was in flames.
Chairperson of Cape Mazaar Society, Mahmoud Limbada, sent an inspector to the Kramat to investigate what the potential damages were.
“The only damage was from the smoke of the fire against the walls of the Kramat of Tuan Nurul Mubeen, but everything is intact. The sad news is that the caretaker’s court is completely burnt, as well as his possessions.”
The Kramat of Tuan Ja’far in Bakoven is also safe. Limbada says this is similar to last year’s fire on Signal Hill that saw the Kramat of Tuan Muhammad Hasan Gaibi Shah also untouched. He attributes this to “the Mercy of Allah”.
The broader community is urged to assist the caretaker, who will sleep in the Kramat. Donations can be made by contacting Mahmoud Limbada on 083 555 9786.
The City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue service currently has a total of five fire tenders with 25 fire fighters on scene attending to the Victoria Road Mountain fire. The fire is still large monitored as certain areas are inaccessible. VOC