Suspect allegedly confesses to Tembisa Hospital fire

Authorities confirmed on Monday that a suspect confessed to deliberately starting a fire that destroyed two units at Tembisa Hospital three weeks ago.

During police questioning, the man also allegedly implicated several accomplices, including a hospital security guard.

The case has been officially registered at the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court, and the bail hearing has been rescheduled for next week.

Tembisa Hospital fire suspect turns from informant to perpetrator

Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed details of the breakthrough on Monday, stating that what began as a tip-off from an informant led to a surprising confession.

“The self-confessed informant over the arson on Tembisa Hospital was picked up by the Multi-Disciplinary Team for questioning on information that he had given to the Police,” Lesufi said.

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Additionally, Lesufi said during questioning, it became apparent that “the informant was actually the suspect, and he ended up admitting that he was involved in the burning of the Hospital.”

Detailed confession obtained

According to Lesufi, investigators secured a comprehensive confession from the suspect, who has been identified in court documents but is currently being referred to as “Mr X” for legal reasons.

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“A detailed confession was obtained where the suspect gave details with regard to planning, payment, purchase of petrol used, preparation and execution of the act,” Lesufi explained.

Multiple accomplices implicated in Tembisa Hospital fire case

The investigation has revealed that the arson attack appears to have been a coordinated effort involving multiple participants.

Lesufi confirmed that the suspect provided information about how the perpetrators accessed the facility.

“The suspect indicated that entry was gained through the fence,” said Lesufi.

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“He further explained his role and the roles of other participants whom he identified as accomplices.”

One of these accomplices, identified only as “Mr YY” in the premier’s statement, reportedly helped carry out the attack from inside the hospital grounds.

Tembisa Hospital fire case progress

The arson case has been formally registered, with the suspect facing charges of arson.

“This is a work in progress,” Lesufi noted, suggesting that additional arrests may follow as authorities continue their investigation into what appears to be a coordinated attack on the healthcare facility.

Authorities have not yet revealed a motive for the attack that caused significant damage to the hospital infrastructure and disrupted healthcare services in the area.

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