‘Joburg arsonist’ caught in Emmarentia after intense investigations

As reported in the Rosebank Killarney Gazette, Click here, the Johannesburg-North alleged arsonist that had been targeting homes across the city has been caught in Emmarentia on the evening of October 11.

A number of law enforcement role players came together to enforce the arrest of the much-sought-after man suspected of arson in the Johannesburg northern suburbs.

According to a statement shared by SAPS Provincial spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, the Serious and Violent Crime (SVC) unit in Gauteng on October 11 at about 18:00, arrested Johannesburg’s most-wanted suspected arsonist linked to a murder, burglary residential and 25 counts of arson committed in the Johannesburg northern suburbs in the past two years.

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Beagle Watch security has some important tips for homeowners to implement to prevent or lessen fire damage should a blaze occur. Managing director André Aiton recently announced that they have partnered with Fire Ops SA as a priority client to ensure assistance is received timely in situations where every second counts.

Fire Ops SA is a private service that assists residents timely and is a vital partner in emergencies related to fires as described in an article titled, Fire Ops SA fills the fire truck gap in Joburg [Week ending June 10, 2022].

Aiton provides sensible advice for homeowners to follow in relation to preventing a blaze from destroying homes and belongings.

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He said, “When people are on holiday or at the office, we find so often that children or staff have not been properly briefed about what to do in an emergency of any kind, not just a fire. It is important for everyone who lives or works at a property to be briefed about who to contact should a fire break out; a crime occur or a medical emergency as they need different responders.”

• Ensure staff and children have emergency services phone numbers.
• Ensure they know how to react depending on the crisis – in a fire for example, they should escape the building as quickly as possible. If trapped, try to stay low to ensure better air is being breathed.
• Smoke detectors are not common place in homes or offices. Aiton suggests this is a cost-effective way to get an early alarm should a fire or smoke be present, possibly averting a bigger crisis.
• When travelling, unplug non-essential items from electrical outlets to limit the chance of an electrical fire starting.
• If a fire breaks out and nobody is home, check if a plan can be thought of to allow fire trucks to gain access to the premises if required, perhaps a trusted neighbour or your security company that has access permissions in an emergency.

Details: Fire Ops SA 083 622 6026; Nationwide emergency response 10111; From a cellphone 112EMS; Control centre 011 375 5911; Ambulance: 10177.

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