A 51-year-old businessman has been arrested in Polokwane for allegedly carrying out two separate acts of malicious damage to property, including setting fire to a rehabilitation centre’s signboard and a vehicle.
The suspect was arrested on Monday, 13 July 2026, at his home in Welgelegen during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Provincial Tracking Team and the Provincial Investigation Unit. Police executed a warrant of arrest following weeks of investigations.
According to police, the incidents took place in the early hours of 28 June 2026.
Investigators allege that the suspect first set alight the signboard of a rehabilitation centre in Ladanna, near Dendron Road, before travelling to Seshego Zone 3, where he allegedly torched a Toyota Hilux Extended Cab.
The fire destroyed the vehicle and spread to part of a nearby house where seven people were asleep. Neighbours managed to extinguish the flames before anyone was injured.
Police estimate the damage caused by the incidents at approximately R800,000.
Following an intensive investigation, police allegedly linked the businessman to both incidents. Officers also seized a Toyota Fortuner believed to have been used during the commission of the offences.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Seshego and Polokwane Magistrates’ Courts on 14 July 2026 on charges of malicious damage to property.
Police say investigations are continuing.
