A suspect has been arrested in connection with the wildfire currently ravaging the Tokai and Silvermine sections of Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town authorities confirmed.
The blaze, which erupted late last week and remains uncontained, has scorched more than 3 000 hectares of vegetation.
The arrest follows a tip-off that led law enforcement to a man seen in Clovelly.
The suspect was apprehended and now faces arson charges.
The arrest has heightened public calls for stricter surveillance and preventative measures in fire-prone regions of the park, particularly as South Africa enters its dry season.
High alert
Meanwhile, Cape Town’s emergency services remain on high alert as the fire continues to spread.
Although no buildings have been damaged, the inferno has sparked widespread concern, prompting a full-scale emergency response involving ground crews and helicopters performing aerial water drops.
The fire has also triggered major traffic disruptions across the South Peninsula.
While Ou Kaapse Weg has reopened, key routes such as Tokai Road, Boyes Drive, Main Road, and Westlake Drive remain either closed or heavily congested due to diversions.
Maxine Bezuidenhout, spokesperson for Cape Town traffic services, has urged motorists to expect delays and avoid non-essential travel in the affected areas.
“Conditions remain volatile, and traffic disruptions are likely to persist as emergency services work to contain the fire,” Bezuidenhout said.
City officials are continuing to monitor the situation closely as firefighting efforts intensify. Residents are being asked to remain alert, avoid affected zones, and report any suspicious activity.
Latest update
Earlier on Tuesday, South African National Parks (SANParks) has provided an update into the ongoing fight against the wildfires in the Constantiaberg mountains.
On Monday night, a flare-up started above Boyes Drive and is slowly burning down towards the road above Lakeside.
Another flare-up occurred in Chapman’s Peak around the early hours of the morning and is burning towards Hout Bay.
Four helicopters were once again launched on Tuesday morning and will focus on containing these two areas.
The fireline above Tokai is being managed well with much of the active fire from last night extinguished.
Crews remain in the area to ensure flare is addressed swiftly if it occurs.
Thus far, about 3 000 hectares of vegetation has burnt.
Members of the community who were evacuated on Sunday as a precaution have now returned to their homes.
The public are urged to strictly adhere to all hiking and mountain bike trail closures and to avoid the Silvermine, Tokai and Boyes Drive areas of Table Mountain National Park for their own safety and to allow easy access for firefighters.
Further updates will be provided in the course of the day.
Continued presence of cyclists
It’s scarcely believable therefore that SANParks has confirmed that there is a continued concern regarding the presence of cyclists in areas that have been closed off due to fire damage and ongoing firefighting operations.
Those cyclists – and the public in general – is urged to comply with all trail closures to ensure their safety.
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SPCA on the scene
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and other welfare organisations are on site, monitoring the animals that have been impacted by the fire.
Donations
The City of Cape Town has issued a call for public support, asking for donations to sustain the firefighters working under extreme conditions.
The immediate needs for the crews include:
- Bottled water
- Nutritional drinks such as Energade and Powerade
- Energy bars
- Saline-based eye drops to alleviate discomfort caused by smoke and ash
Officials emphasised the importance of keeping firefighters hydrated and energised as they face gruelling conditions on the fire lines.
Those wishing to assist are asked to deliver donations to designated collection points set up by the City.
Those donation points include:
- Newlands Fire Base
- Lakeside fire station
- Hair Gallery – 41 Tokai Road
- Pick n Pay Steenberg Village
What do you think possesses a cyclist – or anyone for that matter – to enter restricted areas?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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