Tembisa Hospital Incident Leads to Arrest

A breakthrough has been made in the investigation into the devastating fire at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital, with police confirming the arrest of a 48-year-old man in connection with the incident. The suspect initially presented himself as a whistleblower, claiming to have information about the fire. However, during an intensive interrogation by a multi-disciplinary task team, he confessed to orchestrating the blaze.

According to law enforcement authorities, the suspect detailed how he bought petrol and gained access to the hospital premises. He also named several accomplices, including an individual employed as a security guard at the hospital, suggesting there was inside assistance. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are imminent.

The fire, which broke out in April 2025, caused significant damage to sections of the hospital and disrupted critical healthcare services. At the time, staff and patients had to be evacuated, and several wards were left inoperable. Health officials have expressed concern about the impact of the incident, with Dr. Sibongile Mahlangu, acting CEO of Tembisa Hospital, saying that the fire not only caused structural damage but also deeply affected their ability to deliver care.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi expressed relief at the arrest and commended investigators for their swift response. “Crimes against public infrastructure are crimes against the people,” Lesufi said. “We will not stand by while essential services are attacked. This arrest is a clear message that those responsible will be found and prosecuted.”

The suspect is scheduled to appear at the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court on May 19 for a formal bail hearing. Meanwhile, recovery efforts at the hospital are underway, with temporary units set up to ensure that patients continue to receive care. A full audit of the damage is being conducted by the Gauteng Department of Health.