A man has been arrested in connection with the wildfire currently raging through the Tokai and Silvermine sections of Table Mountain National Park, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The City of Cape Town says the fire, which broke out on Friday, remains uncontained as crews battle to prevent further spread. Approximately 3,000 hectares of vegetation have already been scorched, though no structural damage has been reported.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said law enforcement received a tip-off about a man seen walking up the mountain in Clovelly. Officers later found the suspect near a newly ignited fire, some distance from the main fire line. The man was taken into custody and is facing charges of arson.
Aerial firefighting efforts continue, with helicopters water-bombing hotspots to support exhausted ground teams.
Meanwhile, traffic disruptions are ongoing in the South Peninsula as authorities urge the public to avoid all non-essential travel in affected areas. Although Ou Kaapse Weg has reopened, multiple roads remain closed due to fire-related safety concerns.
Traffic spokesperson Maxine Bezuidenhout warned that diversions are impacting major routes, with closures including:
- Westlake Drive and Boyes Drive
- Tokai Road and Zwaanswyk Road
- Old Boyes and Boyes Drive
- Boyes and Anderson Road
- Main Road and Old Boyes Drive
- Main Road and Boyes Drive
- Main and Clairvaux Drive
Motorists are urged to remain patient, obey road closures, and stay updated on the situation as emergency teams work to bring the fire under control.