Two suspects arrested in connection with last Wednesday’s (16 April) devastating house fire in Somerset West were expected to appear in the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Tuesday 22 April) on charges including murder.
Somerset West police initially opened an inquest docket following the mysterious inferno, in which homeowner and local businessman Jack van der Spuy (71) died.
Last week DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette reported on the Briza residential-area blaze, which occurred in the early hours of last Wednesday (“Man dies in Somerset West inferno”, 16 April).
Police spokesperson Sergeant Suzan Jantjies confirmed officers responded to the tragedy at 03:40.
On their arrival firefighters discovered a body, which had yet to be formally identified as that of Van der Spuy, among the debris.
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, said an emergency call of a house alight in Louis Trichardt Street was received around 02:15.
Several firefighting crews, assisted by an incident-management team (IMT), responded and managed to extinguish the blaze around 05:00.
suspects arrested
“The house sustained substantial damage. During a search of the property, the body of an elderly man was found in the bedroom, where he had succumbed to injuries. At the time of the fire the deceased was alone in the dwelling,” Carelse said.
Around 09:00 on Wednesday curious onlookers passed the scene hoping to gain insight into what had happened.
A neighbour reported hearing loud bangs and seeing large flames engulf the house from his balcony in the early hours of that morning.
Further police investigation and a specialised operation which was successfully executed led to the arrest of two suspects in Paarl later that day.
The suspects, a 44-year-old man and 36-year-old woman, were apparently found in possession of the deceased’s belongings, including his vehicle, a Ford Transit, which was traced using a tracking device.
DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette’s sister publication Paarl Post reported the pair were arrested by members of the Boland K9 Unit and a reservist posing as a civilian in Main Road. An eyewitness recounted to the publication chaos that ensued at Zomerlust Spar around 14:00.
The witness recalled armed men, believed to be task-force members, arriving and apprehending a white woman and man with bandaged legs who had been buying expensive chocolates. The man, described as possibly in his 40s and wearing a check shirt and glasses, was seen being led away in handcuffs shortly after the woman’s arrest.
murder charge added
The duo was apprehended on charges of possession of suspected stolen property. A police spokesperson said murder charges were added, based on the belief the fire victim was already dead before the blaze began. While a post-mortem examination is still pending, injuries observed on the body strongly raised suspicions of foul play.
According to a police spokesperson the suspects were expected to appear on charges of murder and possession of suspected stolen property.
The outcome of the expected court appearance was not available at the time of going to print on Tuesday morning (22 April).
The deceased’s brother, Peter van der Spuy, took to Facebook, lamenting the loss of his beloved sibling.
To page 2.
From page 1
“Today, my heart is shattered as I share the devastating news that my beloved brother, Jack van der Spuy, tragically lost his life in a senseless robbery. Words can’t express the pain and grief our family is feeling right now.
“Jack was not just my brother; he was a light in our lives, a kind soul with a big heart and someone who could bring a smile even in the darkest moments. His life was stolen far too soon, and the loss leaves a space no-one can ever fill. We will carry him with us every day – in our memories, our stories and the love that will never fade.
“To all my friends near and far, thank you. Thank you for your messages, your love, and your support. In the midst of this heartbreak your kindness has reminded us that we are not alone. We miss you so much, Jack. Rest easy, brother. You are forever loved.”
Van der Spuy also commended the incredibly swift response by authorities, who apprehended the suspects mere hours after allegedly fleeing the scene.
Due to the horrific nature of her father’s death, Jacqueline Enslin expressed in a heartfelt statement that retelling the story was immensely difficult.
She expressed her devastation and grief over the violent loss of her father, stating that her world felt empty without him, further conveying her sorrow for the circumstances of his death.
