PARKTOWN – The Serious and Violent Crime (SVC) unit in Gauteng has on Tuesday, 11 October 2022 at about 18:00, arrested Johannesburg’s most wanted suspected arsonist linked to a murder, burglary residential and 25 counts of arson committed in Johannesburg northern suburbs in the past two years.

The SVC team operationalised information received from National Crime Intelligence and mobilised SAPS Johannesburg K9, CAP Security and Fidelity Specialized Services for back-up.

At about 18:00, the suspect was located walking on foot in Emmarentia and he was apprehended.

It is reported that during the incidents, the suspect will break in at affluent houses and after stealing property he would then set the houses alight. In one of the incidents an elderly man lost his life due to smoke inhalation as he was in the house when it was set alight.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela would like to appreciate all the law abiding citizens of Gauteng for their tip-offs following the publishing of the wanted suspect’s photo early September. “Thank you to those that took the time to call in and share valuable information that has now led to this arrest. It goes to show that with the community on our side, we can do more to fight crime,” said Lt Gen Mawela who went on to commend the team that effected the arrest for a job well done.

The suspect will appear before the Randburg Magistrates Court on Thursday, 13 October 2022.

Source: South African Police Service