 | Suspended jail sentence for man responsible for devastating Paarl Mountain fire sends strong message
06 March 2025 | Press Releases |
6 March 2025
A 42-year-old man has been sentenced to two years' imprisonment, suspended for five years, in connection with last year's devastating fire on the slopes of Paarl Mountain. Rudolf Coxam, a Paarl resident, was found guilty of charges relating to the Veld and Forestry Fire Act and sentenced in the Paarl Magistrates' Court on 11 February 2025.
This followed his arrest by Drakenstein Municipality's Law Enforcement division on 1 December 2024 for illegally making a fire on Paarl Mountain which caused substantial damage to the area's fauna and flora. He was charged under the national Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998 Section 10 (2)(i) and (ii).
“A suspended jail sentence in this case sends out a strong message to people making themselves guilty of such behaviour, and it is a clear sign that authorities are not taking this lightly. It is simply unacceptable that people show such disregard for their environment and their fellow citizens," said Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality
“In addition to putting our residents and their properties in danger, it caused significant damage to Paarl Mountain, its vegetation and animal life. Then we have not even mentioned the costs involved in extinguishing this destructive fire," he said.
The fire on Paarl Mountain started at 10:00 on 30 November 2024. Fuelled by strong winds, it rapidly spread through the dry vegetation. At one stage, firefighting crews and vehicles of no less than five municipalities were involved in battling the blaze. Drakenstein Municipality's Fire and Rescue Services were assisted by the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Swartland Municipality, Stellenbosch Municipality, and City of Cape Town, as well as aerial support. The crews managed to bring the fire under control in the early hours of 1 December 2024.
While firefighters were battling the fire, Drakenstein Municipality's Law Enforcement division received a tip-off from a member of the community regarding the alleged cause of the fire. The division swiftly investigated the matter, leading officials to a witness who could later in court corroborate the key witness's testimony. The suspect was arrested on 1 December 2024.
“We wish to thank our men and women in uniform – in our Fire Services, Law Enforcement, and Traffic Services – for their selfless and professional service. Together with our neighbouring services, they worked shoulder to shoulder on this day to protect the lives and livelihood of the citizens of Drakenstein," said the Executive Mayor.
[END]
Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
