Police have expressed an interest in investigating reports of an arsonist who is reportedly bent on destroying properties.
Bramley Police Station Commander Colonel Owen King stated this as he responded to an enquiry regarding a post about an arsonist on social media.
A social media user alerted community members to an alleged arsonist in Hyde Park, Dunkeld and Illovo targeting large houses. “The last two houses were burnt down in March 2022.
“Apparently he breaks in at around 03:00. Helps himself to some booze and food from the fridge and then sets the couches on fire. Thirteen houses over 12 months and four this year with more frequent occurrences. The last two were only three weeks apart.”
The post further stated that apparently the guy watches the owners through the window trying to fight the fire and ultimately giving up as he added accelerant.
The social media user advised community members to set their beam and house alarm at night, even if they live in an enclosed area. “Please consider getting smoke detectors, setting your alarms and beams and getting fire extinguishers. This guy is watching people and gets a sick sense of gratification watching these huge houses go up in flames with millions [of rands] lost. I was completely traumatised when I found out it wasn’t a short circuit that caused the fire as originally thought and that someone had almost killed them and their small children on purpose.”
Several other social media users backed up the shared information and expressed how some relatives and friends had their properties allegedly set alight in the past year.
The un-edited post on social media had stated that there was video footage capturing the arsonist. Both Bramley and Rosebank police stations however said there had been no video footage handed to them. King said since the beginning of the year to date, three arson cases had been reported at the station. Warrant Officer Bongi Mdletshe, spokesperson for the Rosebank Police Station said, “We have only had enquires regarding the fire in Dunkeld since we couldn’t prove any foul play.”
King has encouraged community members to report all crimes to the police.
Details: Bramley Police Station 011 445 4113; Rosebank Police Station 011 778 4700.
Share your view on Facebook at Rosebank Killarney Gazette
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/lnn/1164322/courts-denies-alleged-parliament-arsonist-zandile-mafe-bail/
https://www.citizen.co.za/rosebank-killarney-gazette/lnn/1163147/alleged-parliament-arsonist-zandile-mafe-starts-mental-observation-2/
