Drakenstein Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services said it responded to a fire at the Paarl Hospital. The 35-year-old man arrested and charged with arson following a fire at Paarl Hospital is a psychiatric patient at the facility and is allegedly linked to the crime via video footage and eye witnesses. The accused, Morné Dampies made his first appearance at the Paarl Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
Eric Ntabazalila, Regional communications for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) explained that via Dampies family, it was established that he was in fact a patient at the hospital in the psychiatric ward and that it would be decided whether hewould require an evaluation. , Regional communications for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) explained that via Dampies family, it was established that he was in fact a patient at the hospital in the psychiatric ward and that it would be decided whether he “Morné Dampies appeared at the Paarl Magistrates’ Court charged with arson linked to the fire at Paarl Hospital,” Ntabazalila said. “The State alleges that the accused is linked to the crime by video footage and eye witnesses.
His case has been postponed until February 5, 2026, to verify whether the accused needs to be referred for mental evaluation. “This follows the accused’s relative who disclosed to the prosecutor that he is a patient at the psychiatric section of the hospital. It is also postponed for bail information and for media application to have the court proceedings recorded and streamed live.”
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