Suspect arrested for Ganspan explosion

A 28-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the recnt explosion in Ganspan near Jan Kempdorp where three people died and several others were injured while they were socialising around a fire.

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the Northern Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit were investigating a case of murder and attempted murder following the tragic incident that occured at a local shebeen on July 27 at about 3.30am. 

"Preliminary reports indicate that a group of 14 adults including men and women were socialising and drinking around a fire. It is alleged that during a temporary power outage, an unknown individual allegedly threw an unidentified object into the fire, resulting in a violent explosion." 

She indicated that all 14 individuals sustained burn injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

"Three of the victims succumbed to their injuries." 

Ehlers stated that members from Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit together with Hartswater Crime Intelligence Unit followed up on information and successfully apprehended a 28-year-old male suspect in Ganspan, in Jan Kempdorp in connection with the incident on August 15.

"Anyone who may have information regarding the incident is urged to contact Colonel Letlhogonolo Kanakang at 071 686 1360 or Colonel Corrie Coghlan at 071 686 0020. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

"The investigation is ongoing," she said.