Johannesburg – The man accused of breaking into plush homes and setting them alight after stealing valuables appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
and setting houses alight in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg made his first appearance at the Randburg Magistrates Court.
The accused 36-year-old Alfred Ndodeme Maphuta was charged with murder, 24 counts of arson, and 24 counts of theft.
“The long arm of the law finally caught up with Maphuta after several cases of housebreaking and arson in the areas of Sandton, Rosebank, Norwood, Douglasdale, and Bramley were reported to the police,” said NPA Gauteng Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
The arson reports began in February 2021.
“One of the victims succumbed to smoke inhalation following an incident where his belongings were stolen and his house set alight,” said Mjonondwane.
“A multidisciplinary team consisting of the Serious and Violent Crimes unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS), security companies operating within these Johannesburg northern suburbs were working closely with the Senior Public Prosecutor Mr. Yusuf Baba who was guiding the complex investigation process.”
The case was remanded to 18 October 2022 for the accused to appoint a legal representative.
Maphuta was remanded in custody.
