Fire wreaks havoc at UCT
One person arrested for arson
POLICE in Cape Town confirmed that one suspect had been arrested on a charge of arson in connection with a fire that continued to wreak havoc on Table Mountain.
The 35-year-old man was arrested along Philip Kgosana Drive yesterday by City of Cape Town law enforcement officers, provincial police spokesperson Colonel André Traut said in response to a media query.
“It is alleged that a member of the local neighbourhood watch witnessed three suspects making a fire on the mountain and alerted authorities. Two of the suspects managed to evade arrest,” Traut said.
“The circumstances surrounding the case are being investigated and an appearance in court is yet to be scheduled.”
Firefighters have been tirelessly trying to contain the blaze since the fire broke out on Sunday morning, but strong winds have made their task all the more difficult.
Students had to be evacuated from their University of Cape Town (UCT) residences as the flames engulfed parts of the campus.
By midday yesterday, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said firefighters were now concentrating on the Vredehoek, Philip Kgosana Drive and UCT areas.
He said more than 150 firefighters were on the scene and being assisted by members of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP), Working on Fire and Volunteer Wildlife Services.
“The fire is not under control yet – at this time, the wind is a major contributing factor.
“Aerial firefighting support remains grounded due to the strong winds,” Carelse said.
Four firefighters had been injured and were receiving medical care, he added.