KARIEGA – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape is investigating a case of arson following an incident at the home of a ward councillor candidate for Ward 50 in Kariega on Monday night.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, police were summoned to a residence in Kariega at approximately 22:35, following reports that a window had been broken and petrol poured into a room before it was set alight.

A 17-year-old girl, who was asleep in the room at the time, woke up after hearing the window break and detecting the smell of petrol. She discovered that her room was on fire and attempted to extinguish the flames, but the fire quickly spread.

Other family members also tried to assist, but the fire engulfed a large section of the house, including the room adjacent to the daughter’s bedroom.

“The family, comprising the ward councillor candidate and four other family members, managed to flee the house, except for the daughter, who sustained burn marks. She was transported to hospital by ambulance for medical attention.

“Firefighters attended the scene together with various SAPS role players, including the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Crime Intelligence, the Explosive Unit, Metro Police and the Nelson Mandela Bay District Task Team,” said Gantana.

Gantana said the case had been allocated to the NMB District Task Team for further investigation. No arrests have been made at this stage.

Police appeal for information

Police has appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the investigating officer or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be submitted through the MySAPS App.

“All information will be treated with confidentiality,” said Gantana.

Meanwhile, DA Eastern Cape Provincial Leader Andrew Whitfield condemned the incident, describing it as a petrol bombing targeting Nelson Mandela Bay’s Ward 50 candidate councillor, Kayzel Forbes.

DA condemns attack and calls for swift action

“The Democratic Alliance condemns, in the harshest terms, the petrol bombing of Nelson Mandela Bay’s Ward 50 candidate, Kayzel Forbes’s home.

“We stand in solidarity with Forbes and her loved ones. This isolated incident, which took place shortly after 22:00 last night, is deeply disturbing. We call on the police to act swiftly, conduct a thorough investigation, and ensure that those responsible are brought to book,” said Whitfield.

Whitfield said the attack strengthened the DA’s resolve to work towards safer communities in Nelson Mandela Bay, where every resident could live without fear and participate freely in the democratic process.

“The DA will closely monitor the case and press for accountability. We urge anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward to the SAPS.”

ALSO READ: Two women arrested for impersonating IEC official in the Eastern Cape