23 Apr 2019

Thamaga police have arrested a man suspected to have torched three houses in Mogononong near Kumakwane village.

Superintendent Moses of Thamaga Police said the 35-year-old Zimbabwean national was arrested at his girlfriend’s Tsolamosese home in the early hours of Saturday following a tip-off.

They suspect the man to be one of those responsible for trading in illegal mining of sand in the Metsimotlhabe River.

He allegedly set the three houses on fire in two different homes at Mogononong lands between March 28 and 30.

Villagers had been leaving in fear and trauma following the two incidents forcing them to always stay in groups.

Thamaga station commander suspects the incidents to be an acts of retaliation against residents who fought illegal sand mining in the area.

The police had intensified the search for the alleged arsonist in the past three weeks. 

He is likely to face charges of arson and malicious damage to property. ENDS