Shoplifting suspects face arson charges after Polokwane supermarket fire
Two shoplifting suspects are facing arson charges after a fire destroyed U Me Supermarket in the Polokwane CBD, where they were being held.
POLOKWANE – Two people arrested for alleged shoplifting are now facing arson charges after a fire broke out at a supermarket in the Polokwane CBD on Friday afternoon, October 23.
The fire, which caused extensive damage to U Me Supermarket and surrounding buildings, broke out in a storeroom where the two suspects had allegedly been detained while security personnel waited for police to arrive.
How it happened
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba told Review Online the incident happened at about 4:30 PM on Rissik Street after security personnel had reportedly arrested a 27-year-old man for shoplifting at around 3:45 PM.
He was placed in a storeroom with a 32-year-old woman who had also allegedly been caught shoplifting.
Police were being contacted to open cases when a fire broke out in the storeroom.
Fire reignited and destroyed store
Ledwaba said the fire was initially extinguished and the two suspects were moved to another location.
However, the fire reportedly reignited a few minutes later, resulting in the store burning down.
Both suspects have been detained in connection with the arson, although police said it was not yet clear who started the fire.
Response and injuries
Fidelity ADT and SecureFire teams responded to the incident. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Police investigations are continuing.
