POLOKWANE – A 51-year-old businessman from Polokwane was arrested in connection with two alleged cases of malicious damage to property committed in Seshego and Westernburg is due to appear in court today on one of the charges.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, spokesperson for the Limpopo police, said the suspect’s first case will be heard today – in the Seshego Magistrates’ Court, with the other in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court. He confirmed the suspect’s arrest yesterday at his residence in the Welgelegen suburb of Polokwane after police executed a warrant of arrest.

Ledwaba said the suspect faces charges of malicious damage to property at separate locations. He said the arrest followed a joint operation by members of the Provincial Tracking Team and the Provincial Investigation Unit. The businessman allegedly set alight a luxury vehicle and a signboard.

“The arrest follows two incidents reported on 28 June. According to the investigation, at about 04:30, the suspect allegedly set alight a signboard of a Rehabilitation Centre in Ladanna, next to Dendron Road. He then allegedly proceeded to Seshego Zone 3, where a Toyota Hilux Extended Cab was set alight,” Ledwaba said. He said the fire extensively damaged the vehicle and spread to a portion of the house, where seven occupants were asleep at the time.

Ledwaba said no fatalities were reported. “Neighbours acted swiftly and managed to extinguish the flames before further damage or injuries could occur.

Damage is estimated at R800 000,” he said. Ledwaba said that following the registration of the cases, they were transferred to the Provincial Office for further investigation. “Through intensive investigations and intelligence gathering, police linked the suspect to both incidents and obtained a warrant for his arrest.”

Ledwaba said police also seized a Toyota Fortuner believed to have been used in the commission of the offences, adding that investigations are ongoing in both cases, including the motive.