Suspect confesses to setting Tembisa Hospital ablaze
A man who initially posed as an informant has confessed to being behind the Tembisa Hospital fires. He faces arson charges.
A suspect linked to the fires that broke out at the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital has been formally charged with arson, and the cases against him have been placed on the court roll.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi confirmed the breakthrough in a post shared on the X platform (formerly Twitter), stating that the confessed informant was taken in for questioning by a Multi-Disciplinary Team following the arson incidents at the hospital.
Also read: Fire at Tembisa Hospital – Public urged to avoid area
“During questioning, it emerged that the informant was actually the suspect, and he ended up admitting that he was involved in the burning of the hospital,” said Lesufi.
According to the Premier, the suspect has provided a full confession, detailing the planning and execution of the attack.
This included information about the purchase of petrol, how the fire was set, and the involvement of additional individuals.
BURNING OF TEMBISA HOSPITAL, CASE SUCCESSFULLY PLACED ON A COURT ROLL.
ARREST OF SUSPECT ON BURNING OF SECTION TEMBISA HOSPITAL CAS 577 and 486/04/2025 charge Arson
1. The self confessed informant over the arson on Tembisa Hospital was picked up by the Multi Disciplinary…
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) May 12, 2025
Also read: Tembisa Hospital fire: All patients are safe – DoH
“A detailed confession was obtained, where the suspect gave details regarding the planning, payment, purchase of petrol used, preparation and execution of the act,” Lesufi revealed. “The suspect indicated that entry was gained through the fence and that inside the hospital, another individual also participated in the commission of the offence.
“He further explained his role and those of other accomplices, whom he identified.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expected to make further announcements as more suspects are pursued.
Also read: ANOTHER fire reported at Tembisa Hospital
This latest development follows two separate fires at the hospital, one that damaged the Accident and Emergency Unit on April 19, and a second on April 23 affecting the Outpatient Department.
Both incidents disrupted services at the busy public hospital and prompted widespread concern from the community and provincial officials.
This is a developing story.
