Case against alleged Joburg serial arsonist postponed

The case against suspected serial arsonist Alfred Maphutha has been postponed to 18 October for him to appoint a legal representative.

Maphutha, 36, briefly appeared at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, following his arrest by various police teams in Emmarentia on Tuesday.

He faces one count of murder, 24 counts of arson, and a further 24 counts of housebreaking, which he allegedly committed in Johannesburg northern suburbs since February 2020.

Maputha was arrested by the Serious and Violent Crime Unit following information received from National Crime Intelligence.

Name conflicts

Police spokesperson Brenda Muridili said during the incidents, the suspect would reportedly break into affluent homes and after stealing property, he would set the houses alight.

“In one of the incidents, an elderly man lost his life due to smoke inhalation as he was in the house when it was set alight,” said Muridili.

The police had initially published his photo and name in early September to seek public help to arrest him.

The name, however, conflicts with the one the accused appeared under in court.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said she did not know why the police would publish an accused’s name before appearing in court.

“The accused before the court is named Alfred Maphutha – if the media has a different name, they should check with the police,” Mnjondondwane told the media.

In other news – No regrets for Zodwa Wabantu after terminating 11 pregnancies

South African dancer, Zodwa Wabantu has reportedly defended her decision to disclose information of her apparent 11 abortions.

Speaking to a local publication, Zodwa Wabantu said her decision to have that many abortions was because she was idiotic and did not use a condom. However, she does not regret her decision to terminate the pregnancies. Learn More