Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi said a 48-year-old man who allegedly confessed to setting a fire at Tembisa Hospital has been arrested and charged with arson.
In a post on X, Lesufi said the man, who initially presented himself as an informant, was taken in for questioning by a multi-disciplinary police team but arrested shortly after.
The fire broke out at the hospital in April 2025.
No injuries were reported, but the fire destroyed the hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit.
Explaining the arrest, Lesufi said: “The self-confessed informant was picked up by the Multi-Disciplinary Team during the day for questioning on information he had given to the police
“Upon questioning, it emerged that the informant was the suspect, and he ended up admitting his involvement.”
Lesufi said the suspect allegedly provided a detailed confession, including how the fire was planned and executed.
He said the man reportedly gave information about the purchase of petrol used in the blaze, how entry was gained through the hospital’s fence, and the identities of several accomplices.
“One of the accomplices identified was a hospital security guard,” Lesufi said.
He added that additional arrests are expected as the investigation continues.
Lesufi’s spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla, said the premier welcomed the arrest and praised law enforcement for swift action in the case.
He confirmed the suspect has been charged and the case has been registered at the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court.
The man is expected to appear in court soon.
“We commend our police for taking immediate action to tackle this act of vandalism and sabotage,” Pamla said.
“Destroying critical public infrastructure is nothing short of treason, and we expect the perpetrators to face the full force of the law.”
Lesufi emphasised that Gauteng has a zero-tolerance approach to crime and vowed that law enforcement would continue working to arrest criminal syndicates threatening public infrastructure.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News
