Arson Suspect Confesses to Fire That Destroyed Emergency Unit
Key Points:
- Police arrested a suspect in the April 2025 Tembisa Hospital fire and charged him with arson.
- The suspect confessed and named a hospital security guard as one of several accomplices.
- Authorities expect to make additional arrests as the investigation continues.
GAUTENG, South Africa — Police arrested a 48-year-old man and charged him with arson for starting the April 2025 fire at Tembisa Hospital. The fire destroyed the hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed the Tembisa hospital fire arrest and said the suspect confessed to the crime. He also named several accomplices, including a hospital security guard.
Suspect First Claimed to Be an Informant
Initially, the man approached police and claimed he had insider information. However, a multi-disciplinary team took him in for questioning and quickly realized he was involved. Shortly after the interrogation began, the suspect admitted that he started the fire.
“Upon questioning, it emerged that the informant was the suspect, and he ended up admitting his involvement,” Lesufi said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Although the fire caused severe damage, it fortunately did not injure anyone. However, it disrupted vital emergency services.
Confession Reveals Details of the Arson Plot
Lesufi said the suspect gave a detailed confession. He explained how he and others planned the fire, how they bought petrol for the blaze, and how they entered the hospital grounds by cutting through the fence.
“One of the accomplices identified was a hospital security guard,” Lesufi stated.
As the investigation continues, Lesufi said authorities expect to make more arrests. He emphasized that law enforcement is actively pursuing the remaining suspects.
Suspect Appears in Court as Authorities Tighten Security
The suspect appeared in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court on Monday. He is expected to apply for bail on May 19. Meanwhile, Sizwe Pamla, Lesufi’s spokesperson, commended police for acting swiftly to apprehend the suspect.
“Destroying critical public infrastructure is nothing short of treason,” Pamla said. “We expect the perpetrators to face the full force of the law.”
In conclusion, Lesufi reiterated Gauteng’s zero-tolerance approach to crime. He pledged that law enforcement would continue its efforts to dismantle criminal groups threatening public services. The Tembisa hospital fire arrest remains a top priority for provincial authorities.
