The principal of a Newfields madressa has made a public appeal for help to repair the building after it was gutted by fire.
The blaze started in the Madrassatu Ahlil Quraan’s upstairs kitchen at about 7.30am on Monday March 27, according to the principal, Sheikh Ahmad Mahdi.
He suspects a faulty electrical connection of some sort caused the fire, but City Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Jermaine Carelse said the cause was unknown at this stage.
The madressa has now moved to premises in Gatesville while repairs are done to the Gideon Road building.
“I want to thank the community for their support since the fire happened. We still need their support until the repairs have been completed. We are still in the process of removing the rubble, which will take a while. We are in need of over R2 million to fix and replace what has been damaged, which includes the roof, walls, beds, carpets, and all kitchen appliances,” Sheikh Mahdi said.
Mr Carelse said the fire department got the call just after 9am and fire crews from Gugulethu and Epping brought the fire under control by 10.30am, but by then the top floor of the Muslim school was gutted.
“Smoke and water damage were restricted to the ground floor only. Three persons suffered from smoke inhalation, and one was taken to hospital by private transport. A building inspector was requested as the structural integrity may have been compromised,” he said.
Ward councillor Aslam Cassiem said that the madressa, as a place of learning, played a key role in the community, and he appealed to the public to help rebuild it.
To help, contact Sheikh Ahmad Mahdi at 082 828 0476.