A suspect has been arrested in connection with the devastating wildfires sweeping across the southern suburbs and deep south of Cape Town since Friday night, 25 April. The fires, which have scorched areas of Table Mountain National Park, continue to threaten residential communities, prompting emergency evacuations and drawing widespread community support.
According to JP Smith, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, the suspect was taken into custody on Monday after being spotted by residents carrying fuel containers in Clovelly, where one of the fires was burning on the mountainside.
The fires first ignited below the Elephant’s Eye cave in the Silvermine Nature Reserve late Friday night and quickly spread to nearby suburbs including Tokai, Zwaanswyk, Noordhoek, and Clovelly. High winds and dry conditions have fueled the infernos, placing immense pressure on emergency services.
More than 100 firefighters and volunteers have been deployed, working tirelessly around the clock to contain the flames. Lakeside Fire Station has become a central hub for operations and support, with local residents and volunteers donating supplies like food, water, and energy drinks.
Ward Councillor Carolynne Franklin (DA) described the scene as apocalyptic. “It’s been absolutely dire… the fire surrounded us completely overnight,” she said. “People with emphysema and asthma were struggling, pets had to be kept indoors—it felt like a war zone.”
The fire worsened on Sunday as strong winds drove it further into populated areas. One of the most urgent operations involved the evacuation of 48 frail-care residents from the Noordhoek Manor retirement village.
At the forefront of grassroots support is volunteer Mariel Davila Buys, who took the initiative to organize supply distribution. “I was visiting family when the fires started. I knew central coordination was crucial,” she said. By Monday morning, she had established a donation table at the fire station, quickly turning it into a focal point for community aid.
As fire crews continue their battle against the flames, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Authorities have not released further details about the arrested suspect but confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
