Bo-Kaap residents were shocked to see the iconic Biesmiellah Restaurant on fire on Tuesday night.
The popular eatery which has been located on the corner of Wale Street and Pentz Street in Schotsche Kloof for over 45 years, is owned by Abdullah Osman.
Abdullah tells the Daily Voice: “This is the first time there was a fire at Biesmiellah in all its 45 years of existence. I can’t exactly say how much damage was suffered but the kitchen is damaged and it looks like the fire was caused by an electric fault but I’m not sure.”
Abdullah says the restaurant is open for business today.
“We will open as usual; but only operate from the one side of the venue as the kitchen section of the building will be closed for the duration of repairs.”
The chairman of the Bo-Kaap Neighbourhood Watch, Ebrahim Christian, says the quick thinking of a passerby saved Biesmiellah.
“He threw in the window to activate the alarm for ADT to respond and then he came to tell me that a fire was happening at Biesmiellah,” says Christian.
“I immediately called the control room that our neighbourhood watch reported to and fire engines were dispatched.
“Residents all came to the scene and assisted in evacuating the tenants in the flats above the restaurant.”
City Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse says they received an emergency call at 9.36pm on Tuesday night.
“Crews managed to contain the fire to the rear of the kitchen. The fire was extinguished at 10.24pm and the building was handed over to the owners. The cause of the fire is not yet known,” he says.
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