Video evidence allegedly connects psychiatric patient to Paarl Hospital fire
Drakenstein Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services said it responded to a fire at the Paarl Hospital.
Image: Video screenshot
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 he would require an evaluation.
“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.”
Drakenstein Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services said it responded to a fire at the Paarl Hospital.
Image: Armand Hough Independent Newspapers
Earlier, Police spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala confirmed the arrest.
Drakenstein Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services said it responded to a fire at the Paarl Hospital, which was reported at 11:17am on Tuesday, January 27, and by 12:00pm, firefighters had successfully contained the blaze to the Day Hospital section of the provincial hospital.
The Outpatient Department sustained extensive damage while the maternity patients were relocated to other facilities to ensure continuity of care.
Western Cape MEC of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, visited Paarl Hospital on Wednesday following a fire on Tuesday which led to extensive damage to the hospital’s outpatient department and required an evacuation of the entire facility. She was joined by Councillor Stephen Korabie, the Executive Mayor of Drakenstein.
“While the Outpatient Department has sustained significant damage and repairs will take time, I want to reassure the public that Paarl Hospital remains open and operational. Anyone who needs emergency care will be treated," she said.
She added that some elective procedures may experience delays as teams carefully reorganise services to ensure patient safety and continuity of care.
“To speed up the recovery process, additional cleaning teams have been brought in to deep-clean and prepare areas that have already been assessed and declared safe,” said Minister Wenger. “As these assessments continue, more sections of the hospital are being reopened in a phased and carefully managed way.”
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