Gauteng premier praises police for swift arrest in Tembisa Hospital arson case

The Gauteng Department of Health has remained mum over the ongoing investigation into the Tembisa Hospital fire, which engulfed parts of it last month. 

This comes after Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi welcomed the arrest of a suspect linked to the arson attack, which destroyed the accident and emergency unit over three weeks ago.

On Monday, a 48-year-old man, who initially posed as an informant but later confessed to the crime after police interrogation, was arrested and charged with arson.

According to reports, the suspect has also implicated several accomplices, among them a hospital security guard, with the case having been officially filed at the Tembisa Magistrate's Court. His bail hearing has been set for May 19, 2025.

It is reported that the suspect gave orders on how the arson attack would take place, with clear details on how to set part of the hospital with petrol.

"The suspect was very detailed, and he explained clearly his role and the roles of others whom he identified as his accomplices... We commend our police for taking immediate action to tackle this act of vandalism and sabotage. Destroying critical public infrastructure is nothing short of treason, and we expect the perpetrators to face the full force of the law," Lesufi said.

The premier also praised the efforts of the police investigating the case, who have not ruled out making additional arrests soon.

"This swift and decisive response by the police underscores Gauteng province’s zero-tolerance approach to crime. Law enforcement will stop at nothing to dismantle criminal syndicates and elements that threaten our public infrastructure and undermine safety in our communities.

"The police investigation team has indicated that further arrests are imminent as their probe continues," the premier stated on Monday.

The hospital experienced two fires in a space of five days, with the national and provincial departments indicating that the two fires were being treated as two separate and unrelated incidents.

During his visit to the hospital, Deputy Minister of Health Joe Phaahla said the two fires were a great cause for concern, both for the national and provincial Health departments.

Gauteng police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, confirmed the arrest on Monday, saying the 45-year-old male has been arrested and charged with arson.

"The suspect was formally charged on Sunday, 10 May 2025, and taken to Tembisa Magistrate's Court on Monday, 12 May 2025. The arrest comes after the Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, appointed a team of seasoned detectives to conduct an investigation after Tembisa Hospital was burned. A thorough and intensive investigation led to one male being taken in for questioning, but later charged with arson. More arrests are imminent as the investigation continues," Masondo stated.

Gauteng Health spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, stated that the department will not be commenting further as the matter is currently in the hands of the police, who are continuing with their investigations.

“As the department, we will not be commenting on this matter as it is subject to a police investigation. The police are best placed to comment at this stage. The Gauteng premier has already issued a statement, so there is no need for us to comment any further," he said.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za