The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Waterval, Vhembe District, has arrested a 40-year-old female suspect in connection with a case of arson that occurred in Ha-Mashamba, Tshivhuyuni village on Saturday, 11 April 2026.
According to police reports, at approximately 09:30 on Saturday, a 45-year-old male victim was involved in a dispute with his girlfriend at his homestead. The victim reportedly requested that the suspect remove her belongings and vacate the premises following the termination of their relationship.
The victim subsequently departed for work. At approximately 10:20 the same day, he received a telephone call from a neighbour reporting that his house was on fire and that the suspect had been observed setting the structure alight. Upon returning to the residence, the victim discovered his one-roomed house fully engulfed in flames. All contents within the house were destroyed.
The estimated value of the property damage incurred in the incident is R45,000.00.
The matter was immediately reported to the police. SAPS members acted swiftly and traced the suspect to the local taxi rank. The suspect was arrested on the same day, Saturday, 11 April 2026, while allegedly attempting to board a taxi to Polokwane in an effort to evade apprehension.
The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 April 2026, to face a charge of arson.
