Mental health questions delay court case of Paarl Hospital fire suspect
A fire broke out at Paarl Hospital in the Western Cape on Tuesday morning.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
THE case of the man accused of starting the fire at Paarl Provincial Hospital has been postponed to February 5 amid investigations into the cause of the blaze and questions over the suspect’s mental health.
Morne Dumpies, 36, appeared in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The 36-year-old man arrested for arson following a fire at Paarl Hospital has been identified as Morne Dumpies.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
The blaze erupted at the hospital on Tuesday morning, forcing the emergency evacuation of patients, staff, and visitors from several floors of the facility. While no injuries were reported, parts of the hospital sustained damage.
Police arrested the man shortly after the fire was brought under control, charging him with arson linked to the incident.
During his court appearance, he was asked whether he required a lawyer or would make use of Legal Aid.
Dumpies struggled to respond after the question was repeated three times, highlighting communication difficulties in court.
It then emerged that Dumpies may be living with a mental health condition.
The prosecutor told the court: "I have been informed by a family member that the accused is a patient at the psychiatric section of the hospital at the time of the fire. The information does still have to be verified."
Western Cape police have confirmed that the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
While early assessments initially suggested the fire may have started near an electric car parked adjacent to the hospital and then spread to the building, authorities are continuing to examine all possible causes.