Police in Mhala Arrest 31-Year-Old Man for Allegedly Setting Police Vehicle Ablaze

 

A man, aged 31, was arrested on Saturday in Thulamahashe, Mpumalanga, after allegedly setting a police vehicle on fire. The incident occurred during daylight hours, when a police-marked Toyota Double Cab bakkie was intentionally torched in front of the Mhala police station.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the police vehicle was parked outside the station after officers had just completed a routine patrol at the nearby Thulamahashe Shopping Complex. The police crew had parked the bakkie, locked the doors, and closed the windows before entering the station building.

A Sudden and Alarming Incident

While the officers were inside, they were startled by a loud noise coming from outside the station, followed by the alarming discovery that their vehicle was on fire. Lieutenant-Colonel Ndubane explained that the officers rushed out of the building to find the suspect fleeing from the scene.

“The officers immediately noticed the man running from the burning vehicle, and without hesitation, they apprehended him,” said Ndubane. The suspect was arrested on the spot and charged with malicious damage to state property.

A Repeat Offender

Further investigation revealed that the arrested man is no stranger to criminal activity. It was discovered that the suspect had committed a similar crime at the same Mhala police station in December 2023, indicating a pattern of destructive behavior toward state resources.

Condemnation from Police Leadership

The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, Major-General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi. He expressed his deep disappointment over the attack on police resources that are vital for the safety and well-being of the community.

“This act is not only a criminal offense but also an attack on the very resources that are meant to serve and protect the public,” Mkhwanazi stated. “It is deeply disturbing to see the resources intended to assist the community being destroyed in such a reckless manner.”

Call to Action for Community Responsibility

Mkhwanazi also called on members of the community to take responsibility for the protection of state assets, emphasizing that actions like these negatively affect the availability and quality of service provided by the police.

“If we continue with such irresponsible behavior, we will soon find ourselves complaining about the lack of resources and services. It is critical that we, as a community, take ownership of these resources allocated to us by the state,” he urged.

Legal Proceedings

The suspect is expected to appear in the Mhala Magistrates Court on Monday, 20 January, where he will face charges related to the destruction of state property.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding public resources and the severe consequences that result from actions aimed at damaging the very systems designed to protect and serve the community.