Video: 5 learners arrested after classrooms burnt at Krugersdorp school
Five learners – in grades 9 and 10 – were arrested after two classrooms were set alight, allegedly over exam timetable changes at Thuto-Lefa Secondary.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed that a fire which destroyed two classroom containers at Thuto-Lefa Secondary School in Munsieville, Krugersdorp, may be linked to learner dissatisfaction over a change to the exam timetable.
According to Krugersdorp News, police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“Subsequently, five learners were arrested [four in Grade 10 and one in Grade 9],” says departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona.
“According to information at our disposal, the fire broke out on the school premises on Wednesday afternoon, August 6. It is alleged that the incident may be linked to learner dissatisfaction with recent timetable changes introduced by the school. The objective of this adjustment is to ensure the completion of the academic syllabus and to provide adequate revision time ahead of upcoming preliminary examinations,” he adds.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane strongly condemns the incident.
“Burning a classroom is not a form of protest; it is a criminal act that robs learners of their right to quality education. We will not tolerate such destructive behaviour, and those responsible must face the full consequences of the law,” Chiloane says.
Mabona adds that the department would work with the school and relevant stakeholders to ensure learning continues with minimal disruption.
“Officials will assess the damage and will implement immediate interventions, including the possible deployment of temporary infrastructure,” he concludes.
No injuries were reported, but the fire caused significant damage.
Watch the video:
@caxton.jhbwest Two classroom containers were burnt down at Thuto Lefa Secondary School in Munsieville. #saps #fire #schoolonfire #munsiville #studentsarrested #caxtonlocalmedia #schoolfire #fyp #krugersdorpnews
Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.
Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
