The man accused of starting the gas tank blaze that claimed two lives at a special needs school on Maunde Street, in the west of Pretoria, has appeared in the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court.

Moloko Calvin Ramogwadi (34) is facing two counts of murder and three of attempted murder.

The matter has been postponed to Friday for investigations and possible bail application.

According to regional NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, Ramogwadi was hired by a company to build extra classrooms at Zodwa Special School.

“On August 22, he was fired from the company. It is alleged that the following day, Ramogwadi went back to the school, and [when] another company employee asked why he was there, he said he was collecting his tools.

“It is further alleged that Ramogwadi proceeded to open gas tanks, while the other workers were still on-site and a fire broke out.”

Mahanjana says two workers died on the scene and another three were taken to hospital with injuries.

Ramogwadi was arrested the same day and was remanded in custody.

The explosion

Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Charles Mabaso says the EMS team recovered two badly burned bodies from the scene. The explosion happened around 10:00 according to Mabaso.

He says four other people were also taken to Kalafong Hospital with injuries.

“It is alleged that the four and two deceased are employees of a contractor that was doing repair work on two container classrooms,” he explains.

Mabaso adds when firefighters arrived on the scene, the container classroom collapsed and was on fire.

He says they were informed that one person was trapped in the burning rubble.

“The fire was subsequently extinguished, and the scene was handed over to police for further investigation.”

MEC shocked

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane says he was shocked by the events of August 23.

“We are shaken by this abrupt gas explosion that has stolen the lives of two employees at the school. We are deeply saddened by this loss and wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the affected families and the school community at large. We also wish a speedy recovery to those employees who were injured by this incident,” adds Chiloane.

Chiloane says a psycho-social unit visited the school to extend the necessary trauma support and counselling to those affected by this incident.