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Crime behind the flames: why the Kouga fires were not an accident
When crime meets drought, the land pays the price
What began as scattered fires in the Eastern Cape quickly turned into a full-blown emergency for communities in and around Kouga Local Municipality. As thick smoke hung over roads and farms, a troubling explanation emerged. The blazes that tore through the Kouga area were not only driven by hot, dry conditions but also by deliberate human actions.
According to Kouga mayor Hutton Bornman, at least two of the fires were allegedly started by cable thieves. Another was the result of arson. The claim has shifted the conversation from natural disaster to something far more unsettling. This was not just bad luck or harsh weather. It was a crime with real-world consequences.
Burning cables for copper with deadly results
Cable theft is a familiar problem across South Africa, often linked to power outages and rail disruptions. In this case, it may have sparked something far more dangerous. Bornman says the suspected thieves likely burned the rubber insulation off stolen cables to reach the copper inside. In dry veld conditions, that small fire can easily spiral out of control.
Once flames catch in open land, especially during periods of strong wind, they move fast. Firefighters were left chasing multiple fronts at once, while helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft dropped water from above. On the ground, teams worked through the night, battling flare-ups and trying to protect homes.
Five exhausting days on the fire line
By Sunday, the situation had begun to stabilise. Areas north of Humansdorp were calmer, with only pockets of smoke remaining. Fire crews focused on preventing new flare-ups, particularly around Kabejjouws and along Oyster Bay Road, where the blaze was largely under control.
One area near Linderhof continued to burn, keeping emergency teams on high alert. Despite the scale of the disaster, the outcome could have been far worse. Most properties were saved, only a few houses were destroyed, and no lives were lost.
Bornman publicly thanked the crews who worked through the night, calling it a tough five days for everyone involved. His message struck a chord online, with many residents echoing gratitude for firefighters, pilots, and volunteers who stepped in when it mattered most.
A wider problem beyond Kouga
The Kouga fires have reignited anger around cable theft and vandalism, crimes often dismissed as nonviolent or victimless. Social media reaction has been blunt. Many South Africans are questioning how long communities must pay for the actions of criminals, especially when those actions put lives and livelihoods at risk.
There is also growing concern about how easily everyday crimes can trigger environmental disasters. With hotter summers and drier landscapes becoming the norm, the margin for error is shrinking. A single act of negligence or greed can now set an entire region alight.
What happens next
Authorities have indicated that the incidents will be thoroughly investigated, with cases to be opened at the local police station. For residents of Kouga, the hope is that accountability follows, not only for justice, but also as a warning.
The fires may be under control, but the questions they raise are still burning. Until cable theft and arson are treated as the serious threats they are, communities like Kouga will remain vulnerable, not just to crime, but to catastrophe.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: MSN
