A man suspected of being linked to a fire in Du Toitskloof and other blazes in the area was apprehended on Monday, 12 February.
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He was arrested during a joint operation between G24 personnel, a security company in Rawsonville, the Rawsonville SAPS and the flying squad.
According to G24, gathered intelligence suggested the man’s involvement in several instances of arson in the area. Upon apprehension, he was found in possession of matches and other fire-starting equipment.
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Nico Harmse, the director of G24, says the flying squad team called the security company for assistance on Monday night. ‘They were on the man’s trail, but he eluded them. We then sent out one of our vehicles as well as one of our fire engines to put out the fire that the man allegedly started about 5km from the weighing bridge.’
He says the man was found walking along the road en route to the fire. ‘The man came running across the road while our vehicle was still on its way to extinguish the fire. He ran between the cars and trucks, but was eventually caught and arrested,’ Harmse told the Standard & Gazette.
He was subsequently handed over to Rawsonville SAPS for further questioning to determine the extent of his involvement in the incidents.
It is currently unclear which fires the suspect could be linked to.
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Picture: Cape Winelands DM / Facebook