Barmooda fire suspect sought

There seems to be no end to the Barmooda saga as insurance issues drag on and an identified alleged arsonist is still at large.

No repair work has started yet on the gutted part of the building which housed the controversial Barmooda nightclub on the corner of Station and Lower Main Road, despite earlier promises by the building’s owners, Woodstock-based company Zhauns Properties, that work would start in September.

The nightclub was petrol bombed in mysterious circumstances in the early hours of 15 June.

Brian Roberts, Zhauns property manager, said they are still busy sorting out the insurance claim. He told ObsLife that repair work will start at the beginning of October before putting the phone down.
An insurance official working on the case was tight-lipped about how far the Zhauns’ claim had progressed, saying only that it was still under way. ObsLife had previously learned that Zhauns wanted a cash pay-out as opposed to having a contractor appointed by the insurers. The insurers had made a settlement offer to Zhauns.
Meanwhile, the police have identified Nasiet Haywood as the alleged arsonist who entered the nightclub, threatened the workers, tied them up and set the place alight. He is described as armed and dangerous.

Sergeant Hilton Malila of the Woodstock Police said he is still at large and is associated with the Goodwood, Maitland and the Summer Greens area.

In contrast with earlier published versions of the event, Sergeant Malila says Haywood entered the nightclub with one accomplice, while a getaway car waited in the street.

The insurance claim of the owner of Barmooda, Reon Heckrath, also has not been settled yet, according to an insurance official dealing with the case. Barmooda as a business was owned and insured separately from the building.

Zhauns said it would not take Barmooda back as a tenant once the building is fixed.

The Police asked anyone with information about Haywood to contact Warren Smith on 021-4862863 or crime stop on 08600 10111.