Repeated veld fires 'resemble organised sabotage'

Arson is becoming more sophisticated but simple at the same time, said security and explosives mitigation specialist Jimmy Roodt, as concerns grow over veld fires being started with low-tech delayed-ignition devices in rural and agricultural areas.

- Hein Kaiser

Other security specialists have said arson can be used to intimidate farmers, cause deliberate damage to property and livestock, or occur as a consequence of cable theft. In each instance, devastation follows.

A social media post circulating in relation to the recent wildfires shows a slow-burn homemade match-based device.

"These are simple but effective low-tech tools used for deliberately starting veld fires in rural and farming areas," Roodt said.