Teams from Vision Tactical, Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) responded to a fire at the Maraisburg Masjid. [Picture: Vision Tactical]
JOHANNESBURG – The Maraisburg Masjid Committee has announced the indefinite closure of the Maraisburg Masjid, following the destruction of parts of the property – including the Muezzin’s residence – by a fire over the weekend.
Speaking to Salaamedia on Monday morning, Imam of Maraisburg Masjid Ml Anees Kara confirmed that the Muezzin’s residence had been destroyed by the fire and that the Masjid itself had to close due to smoke and water damage that occurred during firefighting efforts.
“The Muezzin’s quarters [are] completely burnt down and the Masjid has suffered extensive smoke damage and water damage.”
According to Ml Kara, it is believed that the fire was caused by an electrical surge following a fifty-hours-long electricity outage in the area. However, authorities are yet to confirm the cause of the disaster.
Ml Kara said that the Masjid is closed for safety officers to assess the damage and for a clean-up operation to get underway. “Fire safety officers have to come in and clear the building [and] there’s a massive cleanup that needs to happen.”
The Muezzin and his family have now been placed in another flat. No injuries have been reported.
Julie Alli spoke to the Imam of Maraisburg Masjid Ml Anees Kara on News & Views. Listen to the full interview here: