Eastern Cape councillor’s home petrol-bombed
A later search of the vehicle uncovered several items suspected to have been intended for the crime.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a petrol bomb attack targeted a local ward councillor's residence in Coldstream, Eastern Cape, resulting in extensive damage. The South African Police Service (SAPS) swiftly responded to the incident, swiftly arresting three individuals during an intelligence-led operation.
Upon receiving information about the incident, the Storms River Police Station officers intercepted a Mahindra SUV on the R102 highway at around 4 a.m. During a stop and search, law enforcement officials discovered that the vehicle was equipped with false registration plates and a forged license disc. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed several items allegedly intended for the crime, including a bottle with a substance suspected to be petrol, a bag containing cloth, another bag with empty glass liquor bottles, and a lighter.
Three suspects were apprehended at the scene, with one of them being a relative of the initial arson attack. The two men present in the vehicle were also taken into custody. The suspects are currently facing charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and possession of suspected stolen property related to the false registration plates.
The identity of the suspects and their specific involvement in the attack remain undisclosed by the police. The substance suspected to be petrol will undergo chemical analysis to confirm its composition. The Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) from Jeffreys Bay attended the scene to process the seized items, which include the petrol bottle and other evidence. The suspects are anticipated to make their court appearance soon as the investigation continues.
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