Man sets himself alight in Montecasino

Update: 7.30pm:

Group Communications for Tsogo Sun, Priya Naidoo has released a formal statement regarding the man who set himself alight inside the casino.

“An incident involving a possible suicide, involving a man who set himself alight at the entrance before the security checkpoint of Montecasino has been reported to SAPS , who are currently investigating.”

Naidoo said emergency services were on the scene and precautionary measures has been taken to ensure the safety of the casino’s customers.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends,”  Naidoo said.

Initial post: 6.35pm

According to reports, the man used petrol to set himself on fire.

When contacted for comment, Montecasino’s management directed Fourways Review to the casino’s twitter account, saying a formal statement would be released in due time.

We of aware of an incident of fire outside one of our restaurants & are currently investigating & will keep you updated on further details.

— MONTECASINO (@MONTECASINOZA) July 24, 2016

https://twitter.com/MONTECASINOZA/status/757228688886865920

Joburg Emergency Services (EMS) spokesperson Nana Radebe said they responded to a call at about 4.20pm. “When paramedics arrived at the scene, they tried to extinguish the man,” she said.

Radebe said the man passed away at the scene. “We are not sure what happened for him to set himself alight,” Radebe said.

Radebe said the man was inside Montecasino, near the restaurants when he set himself alight.

#MonteCasino A man has set himself on fire inside the casino. Reportedly dead.

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) July 24, 2016

#HotboxSundays will not be taking place tonight due to the incident at Montecasino. We feel it would be in bad taste. Cantare will be closed

— CIGARS EXPRESS (@Cantare_Monte) July 24, 2016

Douglasdale Police Station’s communication officer, Warrant Officer Balan Muthan said a male poured petrol on himself before entering the casino. He told Fourways Review that a female who was near the man when he set himself on fire, sustained minor injuries, but was now stable. “The matter is now undergoing investigation as it is an inquest,” Muthan said.

https://twitter.com/kristwilky/status/757231382460497920