REWARD | Is an arsonist targeting Table Mountain?

Alderman JP Smith has suggested that a suspected arsonist may be targeting Table Mountain following a string of fires that broke out along the Devil’s Peak route on Monday.

The blazes triggered a multi-agency emergency response after several fires ignited in quick succession on the slopes above Philip Kgosana Drive.

Appeal to the public

City of Cape Town crews first responded to a fire shortly after 13:00.

While teams were working to contain the initial blaze, three additional fires flared up nearby.

Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, appealed to the public for assistance, questioning whether the pattern of incidents was coincidental.

“Coincidence? Conspiracy? Or do we turn a blind eye to the facts?” he wrote in a public post, adding that “somewhere out there somebody knows this person.”

The City confirmed that no injuries or property damage were reported.

A reward of up to R20 000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest.

Dispatched helicopters

South African National Parks (SANParks) dispatched helicopters to waterbomb the affected areas, while ground crews from multiple stations supported containment and mop-up operations.

SANParks confirmed that fire forensic investigators were sent to the scene to determine the cause of the fires and collect evidence.

The agency said that, as land custodian, it would lead any criminal case should arson be confirmed.

Authorities warned that recent high temperatures have left vegetation extremely dry, increasing the risk of rapid fire spread.

Residents have been urged to report suspicious behaviour, take note of vehicle descriptions where possible and use official tip-off channels to assist investigators.

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