Man questioned in Jwaneng as P1.5 million worth goes up in smoke
A 34-year-old Motswana man was apprehended by Jwaneng Police earlier this week in connection with the devastating fire that consumed 49 cars at an open space designated for Desert Race revelers' parking in Jwaneng this past Sunday.
The blaze erupted just as the 2023 Toyota Gazoo Racing 1000 Kalahari Desert Race came to an exhilarating conclusion in the mining town. A thick cloud of black smoke billowed less than a kilometre away from the race headquarters at the start/finish line.
As scores of onlookers witnessed the thrilling conclusion of the two-day 1000-kilometre race, little did some know that their beloved prized possessions were being devoured inside that plume of black smoke mushrooming in the near distance.
Upon arriving at the scene, The Midweek Sun team witnessed utter chaos ensuing as the acrid smell of burning rubber, metal, and wire cables filled the atmosphere. A crowd had gathered to witness the apocalyptic demise of 49 cars, while many unsuspecting owners were still immersed in the festivities of the Desert Race's conclusion.
As the flames gradually subsided, the intrigued crowd edged closer to investigate, intermittently startled by pops and bangs emanating from the burning vehicles.
"These cars are still ablaze. Don't get too close, let's step back," cautioned one eyewitness. "I heard a food vendor caused the fire. The flames leapt from his stove and caught the dry shrubs," a lady at the scene suggested.
While Jwaneng Police controlled the movement at the site, a fire truck arrived belatedly, much to the crowd's displeasure. The tardy response from the fire department in Jwaneng triggered a near commotion among some attendees, who felt that precious time was wasted.
"The fire truck took too long. Some of the cars could have been saved," an irritated spectator grumbled. Miraculously, there were no fatalities or serious injuries, despite the cars reduced to mere ashes.
Meanwhile, distressed and disbelieving vehicle owners sought solace amidst the crowd. Among them, one fortunate owner stood by his car as the gathering swelled. A Good Samaritan had allegedly shattered the window of the vehicle to get inside and push the Toyota Hilux double cab away from the raging inferno.
"He's complaining about property damage, but he should be grateful his car was saved from the fire," a man in the crowd remarked.
Conversely, Mpho Bele from Goodhope Village was one of the unfortunate owners who discovered his beloved Toyota Run X reduced to scrap and ashes. Summoning the courage to speak with The Midweek Sun, the resilient Bele lamented, "What can I say? I was at the finishing point, enjoying the festivities, and then I rushed here. Sometimes, a night out for fun in Mantshwabise ends in tears."
Bele pointed a finger at the Fire Department, criticising their woefully inadequate response. Rumours circulated that a food vendor inadvertently sparked the fire and failed to contain it. Bele expressed frustration over the lack of shrub maintenance by the town authorities before granting permission for parking. When contacted for comment this week, Superintendent Thuso Basuti of the Jwaneng Police confirmed that they had detained a 34-year-old man in connection with the fire incident. However, the suspect was expected to be released on the same day.
Basuti refrained from specifying the charges the suspect might face, stating that they were seeking advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions on the matter.
Meanwhile, Basuti revealed that owners had come forward to identify their vehicles, confirming that a total of 49 cars had perished in the tragic incident, the damage of which is estimated to cost P1 510 883.92.