Efforts to make a breakthrough with the alleged arsonist tormenting Johannesburg northern suburbs are still ongoing.
Founder of eblockwatch (a community safety forum) Andre Snyman said that since his commencement of media outreach, new cases reportedly connected to the alleged arsonist, dating as far back as 2019, have come to the fore. Snyman claimed that his forum was now looking into about 15 ‘arson cases’.
“The perpetrator is not only an arsonist but he seems to get a kick out of being in someone’s house. We have received video footage of him roaming inside houses and people have reported their things having been moved around. He also takes food from the fridge, drinks whiskey and other provisions from the fridge,” claimed Snyman.
In a previous article, Special intervention unit set to tackle fire issue, Bramley Police Station Commander Colonel Owen King confirmed that since the beginning of the year to date, three arson cases had been reported to the station.
Warrant Officer Bongi Mdletshe, the spokesperson for Rosebank Police Station said, “We have only had enquires regarding the fire in Dunkeld since we couldn’t prove any foul play.”
Sharing tips for reducing the arson risk, director of Institution of Fire Engineers SA in Houghton Estate, Andrew Greig shared the following based on advice from the London Fire Brigade:
Rubbish
Rubbish is a ready source of fuel for an arsonist, so fires involving rubbish can quickly spread to nearby homes and buildings putting lives at risk.
- Only put rubbish and recycling containers out on collection days.
- If a collection is missed, contact your local councillor to report it.
- Never store rubbish, or anything that can catch alight, in corridors, alleys, stair wells or escape routes.
- Keep communal bin stores secure and well lit.
- Store recycling containers a safe distance from buildings.
- Don’t overload waste skips and get them removed when full.
Security measures
One of the best ways to prevent arson is making sure your property is secure, including any derelict buildings.
- Keep entry points to buildings secure.
- Board up and secure unused or derelict buildings.
- Prevent intruders and trespassing by making sure perimeters and buildings are well maintained and any damage is repaired as soon as possible.
- Consider installing security systems such as CCTV, intruder detection and alarms and security lighting.
- Keep any flammable substances stored safely and securely, not left in the open.
In your neighbourhood
Keep a look out for potential arson risks while out and about in your local area. Report suspicious behaviour to your neighbourhood security.
Greig advised contacting your local neighbourhood security service or local police as soon as possible to report suspicious behaviour.
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