Overstrand fire: Shelton April faces 20 years in jail for recklessly causing devastating fire

Shelton April has had enough time to comprehend the extent of the damage he has allegedly inflicted on residents of the Overstrand region. Although it is alleged that the flare he lit up on New Year’s Eve was the cause of the fire, his recklessness in doing so may see him face 20 years in jail.

Since New Year’s Day, the fire has destroyed an estimated 8 000 hectares of land in Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay and Hermanus.

Read – Overstrand fire – Franskraal residents evacuated as fire flares up again

Extent of damage Shelton April allegedly caused with Overstrand fire

The Overberg Municipality, in a recently-released statement, revealed the extent of the damage caused by the fire.

“We’re counting the cost of the Betty’s Bay Fire – not only on lives but also the impact on nature. The Kogelberg Nature Reserve Complex is covered in critically endangered Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos – and more than 8000 hectares have burnt already. The Kogelberg Nature Reserve Fynbos should burn every 17 years.

“The Fynbos burning now is only between 8 and 12 years old. This is devastating for Fynbos species, and their ability to recover. Like the Vulnerable Marsh Rose (Orothamnus zeyheri) – once nearly extinct. Today it’s known from just six populations – most in the Kogelberg Mountains, and most affected by this fire,” the municipality revealed.

Furthermore, as reported by Eyewitness News, at least one person died as a result of the fire. Authorities confirmed that the woman, from Pringle Bay, died from inhaling the smoke.

Read – Overstrand fire: Still active and causing ecological devastation

It has also been reported that a number of houses have been damaged by the fires.

Possible charges and jail time April faces

April, who was in court on Monday, is the man identified as being responsible for all of this damage.

At this point, intention is not at the centre of the case, as it can easily be established that April himself could not have foreseen the extent of the damage caused by the fire he started.

However, according to the Legal Commission of South Africa (LCSA), the reckless nature of the incident he allegedly caused could see him face a maximum of 20 years in jail.

Read – Police confirmed the arrest of a 34-year-old man in connection with Overstrand fire

Not only did April allegedly cause a bushfire recklessly, he allegedly also recklessly damaged property and the result of his recklessness may or may not have led to the untimely death of the woman from Pringle Bay.

It has not been ascertained, as yet, whether these charges will be included in the case. At this given time, April is still trying to apply for bail.

His bail application will be heard at the Caledon Magistrate’s Court later on this month.