Alleged arsonists ignite cars in Newcastle
Four cars were allegedly set alight in the early hours of this morning, with the suspects still at large.
It is believed four motor vehicles were set alight in the early hours of this morning, August 2, in Sunny Ridge and Signal Hill.
The information regarding the fires was received from South African Community Crime Watch Newcastle (SACCWN).
Hardus van der Merwe , who lives in Star Crescent, claimed he parked his car on the sidewalk on Friday afternoon when he got home.
“At 4.45am, my landlord tried phoning me to alert me about the fire,” he said. “When I woke up I heard hooters. I went outside and I saw the flames.”
Mr van der Merwe said he ran to the car to see whether he could put out the flames.
“When the one wheel blew, I stepped back because I did not want to endanger my life,” he said.
Allegedly, shortly after the fire truck arrived, bystanders heard screams for help. Shockingly, another car had been set alight merely metres away from Mr van der Merwe’s house.
Leon du Preez said his daughter had woken him up when she noticed the bright light from the flames.
“We didn’t hear anything, but the fire was set on purpose,” claimed Mr du Preez.
The third motor vehicle fire took place in Garnet Street.
The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed she was woken by her car’s alarm.
“I called my sister and the police. In the meantime, Tracker tried calling me to notify me that my car was being tampered with,” said the car owner.
When Tracker could not get hold of her, they proceeded to call her sister and sent an SMS to the car owner as well.
“I suspect they tried stealing my car and it didn’t end well, or else why would Tracker let me know that my car was being tampered with?” she asked.
Upset about the destruction of her car, the vehicle owner said she did hear someone in her yard.
“It happened just after 3am and I heard them in my yard. They weren’t talking but whistling, which is how I think they communicated with each other,” she said.
Mr van der Merwe said he suspected arson.
“Why else would three cars burn in an hour apart?” he asked.
Police investigations continue.
