Palm trees go up in flames

POLOKWANE – A number of palm trees were set alight in the Flora Park area over the past few weeks causing immense concern to residents, as these trees are very tall and catch fire easily, with burning debris landing on the roofs of houses.

Acccording to Polokwane police spokesperson, WO Lesiba Ramoshaba, similar incidents had also been reported in the Welgelegen area recently.

One Flora Park resident said these vandals had no idea what they were doing when they set these trees alight. “This is more serious than just arson and could cause serious injuries to people, as well as damage to property. These people are criminals destroying private property for nothing but cheap kicks,” the resident, who did not wish to be identified for reasons of privacy, commented.

According to James Mokobane from the local fire department, burning palm trees became enormous flame-throwers within seconds, just like a flaming torch. “Palm trees are easily ignited by a cigarette lighter, and the flames rise quickly from the bottom of the tree to the top. Burning pieces of bark and other debris fall around the tree and can even get carried some metres away by wind, endangering the houses in the area.”

“It may be a game to the person setting the trees alight, but this game could have serious consequences.”

Municipal spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo encouraged residents to report any cases of vandalism and arson on municipal property. He said trees close to the pavement were included as municipal property, and the municipality would not hesitate to act against persons who broke the law.

Ramoshaba warned that arson was a serious offence, and these cases would be investigated.

He said should a fire of this kind be reported, the police would investigate and then decide if the matter could be considered as arson, malicious damage to property or vandalism.

Residents were urged to contact their sector police manager or their nearest police station with any information in this regard.