Polokwane – A 22-year-old man has been arrested after a fire allegedly destroyed family property worth an estimated R1.5 million in Rooival village, Limpopo.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the suspect, who is the nephew of the homeowner, was arrested by Mahwelereng police in the Waterberg District on a charge of arson.
According to police, the incident occurred on Friday, 24 July, at about 8pm while the homeowner was in Seshego.
“It is alleged that on Friday, 24 July 2026 at about 20:00, the homeowner was in Seshego when he received a call from his younger sister informing him that their homestead was on fire. Emergency Fire personnel from Mokopane were summoned to extinguish the fire,” SAPS said in a statement.
Police said the homeowner rushed back to Rooival village and arrived at about 11pm to find the property completely destroyed.
“The homeowner rushed home and upon arrival at about 23:00, found a ten-roomed house and a three-roomed back house completely burned down along with all property inside,” the statement said.
The damage is estimated at R1.5 million.
Preliminary investigations led detectives to the homeowner’s 22-year-old nephew after a neighbour allegedly saw him at the scene.
“Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect is the nephew of the homeowner and was allegedly seen by a neighbour at the scene,” SAPS said.
Police further alleged that when residents attempted to extinguish the blaze, the suspect tried to stop them.
“When community members attempted to extinguish the fire, the 22-year-old suspect allegedly tried to stop them by fighting with them before fleeing the scene on foot,” the statement said.
An arson case was opened and police immediately launched a manhunt, which resulted in the suspect’s arrest in Rooival village.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Mokerong Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 27 July, on a charge of arson.
Police said investigations into the incident are continuing.
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Picture: Facebook/SAPS
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
