Stanford
The Overstrand Municipality is offering a reward to anyone who can provide information that could lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of those responsible for allegedly starting fires.
The Municipality has raised concern about fires that have been burning in its towns since November last year.
In addition to thousands of hectares burnt, fires have resulted in severe losses to farmers, businesses, and various organisations, placing many livelihoods under serious threat.
The Municipality’s Dean O’Neill, said “the town is increasingly concerned that a number of these fires may not have occurred naturally and are suspected to have been started deliberately.”
An incident which sparked suspicion, is a member of the public, who noticed smoke near the Stanford graveyard and went to investigate.
Upon arrival, she saw a female suspect jumping over a fence and immediately called law enforcement while trying to put out the fire until the Fire Department arrived.
Law Enforcement officers responded to the scene, where burning cables were found.
Based on information from the witness, a suspect was located and arrested.
The 23-year-old female was handed over to Stanford SAPS and charged under the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act 101 of 1998).
The cables were booked as evidence under CAS number 37/01/2026.
The suspect later pointed out two male suspects, aged 15 and 20. Both were arrested and taken to Stanford SAPS.
The case has been handed over to the Detective Branch (CID) for further investigation.
Nelson Mandela Bay
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Fire and Emergency Department imformed residents of a road closure between Kinnersley and Gerald Street intersections, on Monday afternoon, due to a house fire.
Fire and Emergency Services were on the scene to contain the blaze.
Kouga
Sporadic fire flare-ups were reported at various areas, including Kabeljauws River, where mopping-up operations are underway.
More flare ups were also reported at Kromme–Linderho, where two houses were saved by water drops.
Authorities said the fire in Kromme Linderho spread over 800 metres and came within 15 metres of the first house in the Linderhof area.
New incidents also occurred where copper cables were reportedly burnt down.