21-year-old suspected arsonist to apply for bail, community outraged!

The Smithfield police have arrested a 21-year-old male in connection with four cases of arson on public and private facilities.

According to the region’s police spokesperson, sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, the burnt facilities were broken into, looted then burned.

“The police investigated four cases with the same modus operandi after the torching of classes from one of the local high school,” added Kareli.

An intelligence-driven operation led the police to a house in Smithfield, which turned out to be the suspect’s residence.

Upon arrival, the police found stolen school uniforms and other items from four other burnt premises reported by owners.

The 21-year-old Tshidiso Modise appeared before the Smithfield’s Magistrate Court for possession of suspected stolen property, arson and burglary among others.

Outraged community members impatiently stood in numbers outside the court chanting songs urging for the suspect not to be released.

The suspect will again appear before the court for a formal bail application on Wednesday, August 16th. He remains in police custody.