JUST IN: Paarl Hospital fire turns criminal: Arson suspect arrested after evacuation
Patients were moved to safety after a fire broke out at Paarl Hospital on Tuesday.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
A dramatic fire that forced the full evacuation of Paarl Hospital on Tuesday has now taken a criminal turn, with police confirming the arrest of a suspect in connection with the incident.
Western Cape police confirmed that Paarl detectives are investigating a case of arson following the blaze, which broke out at the hospital at around 11:00 on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
According to police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala, a 35-year-old man was apprehended shortly after the incident.
“A 35-year-old male suspect was apprehended for questioning and later detained. He will appear in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 29 January 2026,” Gwala said, adding that the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation.
Earlier, the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness confirmed that a small section of Paarl Hospital was affected by the fire, which was swiftly contained. Initial indications were that a vehicle parked adjacent to the building caught alight, causing the flames to spread to the hospital structure, though this will now form part of the police investigation.
Smoke from the fire necessitated the full evacuation of the facility as a precautionary measure. Patients were safely moved, and no injuries were reported. The department said the phased reopening of clinical areas is under way as sections of the hospital are assessed and declared safe.
The Outpatient Department sustained extensive damage, while maternity patients were relocated to other healthcare facilities to ensure continuity of care.
Western Cape MEC of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, previously commended hospital staff and emergency services for their swift response.
“Our immediate priority was the safety of patients, staff and visitors,” Wenger said. “Thanks to the coordinated response, patients were safely relocated and no injuries were reported.”
Police said investigations into the alleged arson are continuing, while health authorities work to restore affected services at the hospital.