The infamous ‘Joburg arsonist’  has been charged with various crimes including 1 count of murder, 24 of arson and 24 counts of housebreaking at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on October 13.

Prosecutor Yusuf Baba has confirmed that the accused’s real name is Ndodenye Alfred Maphutha. He has not pleaded yet but is set to appear in court again on October 18.

Baba believed that more charges will be added.

Today the man, police believe to be the ‘Joburg arsonist’ will appear at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.

He is expected to be charged with 25 counts of arson, related to numerous fires that were set in Joburg’s northern suburbs in the past two years.

He is also linked to murder and business burglary, police say.

These counts relate to fires in Houghton, Melrose, Hyde Park, Bryanston and Dunkeld.

The suspect was arrested in Emmarentia on October 11 and according to Provincial spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, he was Joburg’s most-wanted suspected arsonist.

“The SVC team operationalised information received from National Crime Intelligence and mobilised SAPS Johannesburg K9, Community Active Protection (CAP) Security and Fidelity Specialised Services f or back-up. At about 18:00, the suspect was located walking on foot in Emmarentia and he was apprehended,” said Brigadier Muridili.