A 38-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an arson attack that destroyed a mud hut in Nhombelani Village on Friday, 6 June 2025.
According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 11:20 when a male complainant overheard a heated dispute between two neighbors. Upon attempting to intervene and mediate the altercation, the suspect allegedly threatened to burn down the complainant’s mud hut.
The suspect then proceeded to set the hut ablaze, resulting in its complete destruction along with all belongings inside. Despite efforts by the complainant and other community members to extinguish the flames, the fire could not be contained.
Authorities were alerted, and police swiftly arrived at the scene to initiate investigations. A manhunt was launched, leading to the successful apprehension of the suspect.
Preliminary estimates place the total damage at R15,000, including the loss of the mud hut structure and all personal possessions consumed by the fire.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 9 June 2025, where he will face formal charges of arson.
