School burns on first day of the new term

POLOKWANE – There was no greeting of friends or excitement at being back at school after the holiday for learners who attend Mohlakaneng High School in Seshego on Monday.

Instead, learners who arrived at school found that the school was closed. It had been cordoned off and marked as a crime scene after it was set alight in the early hours of Monday morning.

Firefighters extinguished the fire but one of the three buildings was completely ruined, with the roof having caved in. The principal’s office, an office attached to the technical classroom and an office attached to the exam hall suffered the most damage.

Seshego police spokesperson, WO Mothemane Malefo, said it was believed that the principal’s office was the main target. He said the fire originated in the principal’s office and was the only place out of all the buildings at the school that was entered.

Malefo said as far as could be estimated, nothing was stolen – the computers and other office equipment were just left to burn. “The damage the fire caused cannot be determined as yet. Anyone with information regarding this fire should please contact their nearest police station. All information will be regarded as confidential and the source will be kept anonymous,” Malefo said. He confirmed that a case of arson was being investigated.

Learners expressed their disappointment that the school had to be closed and some said this was going to negatively affect their education, which was unfair to them.

Education spokesperson, Dr Naledzani Rasila, said the children were able to return to school on Tuesday. “Investigations are proceeding and the estimated value of the damage sustained has not yet been determined,” he said.

“The department is shocked that this happened. We condemn such action and request residents to assist the police with any information they have,” Rasila said.