Lack of CCTV Leaves Rundu Court Arson Case Without a Suspect
The fire that destroyed the criminal records office at the Rundu Magistrate’s Court on Monday has left investigators with no suspect, after it was confirmed that the court’s CCTV system was not operational during the incident.
Regional crime investigations deputy commissioner Bonifasius Kanyetu said the situation has significantly hindered efforts to identify the person behind the blaze.
“The suspect was not identified as no footage was available. We cannot comment on CCTV at the court, as it falls under the administration of the judiciary,” Kanyetu said.
According to him, the fire was discovered by two Sirka Security Services guards on duty. The guards reported hearing a window break and, upon checking, found the criminal records office already in flames. The individual responsible allegedly fled before they arrived.
Kanyetu said the guards immediately alerted the court administrator, but efforts to extinguish the fire were slowed by a shortage of water, allowing most items inside to be destroyed.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
The incident comes just weeks after a reported attempted arson attack at the same court, where an unidentified man carrying containers of flammable liquid fled after being confronted by members of the public.
Questions have since been raised about what security measures were put in place after that earlier attempt. Judiciary executive director Benard Kukuri indicated that a response would be provided, but no comment had been issued by the time of publication.
