Fire destroys 11 classrooms at Riverlea High – Arson case investigated
Authorities suspect arson, and the Department of Education is scrambling to ensure learning continues with minimal disruption.
The Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, is deeply saddened to confirm that a fire broke out at Riverlea High School on Sunday evening, April 27, destroying 11 classrooms.
Preliminary reports indicate that the fire started at around 18:00 in an unused classroom and rapidly spread, resulting in the destruction of an entire block comprising 11 classrooms.
These 11 classrooms have been completely burnt down along with their furniture. Of the affected classrooms, four of them were actively being used by Grade 8 learners, while the remainder were unoccupied.
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Furthermore, the entire boy’s toilet block was destroyed in the fire, which will affect all boy learners at the school.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is working urgently to ensure that learning continues with minimal disruption when schooling resumes on May 5.
A temporary plan has been put in place to use the school hall for affected learners while arrangements are being finalised for the delivery of four mobile classrooms, fully furnished, to replace the lost classrooms.
Fortunately, the rest of the school’s infrastructure remains intact and operations for other grades will continue without significant challenges. Approximately 230 learners are directly impacted by the aftermath of this fire, and every effort is being made to normalise the situation swiftly.
“We condemn this senseless act of destruction in the strongest possible terms. An attack on a school is an attack on the future of our country, and acts of this nature must be treated with the utmost seriousness,” said Chiloane.
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The MEC added, “We appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident to assist law enforcement in their investigations.
“We remain committed to supporting the Riverlea High School community and will provide further updates as the situation develops.”
The SAPS have opened a case of arson and an investigation is underway after the incident occurred.
“A team of senior detectives, that includes Forensic Science Laboratory members, has been established to investigate the matter and to trace the person or people responsible for the burning of the school.”
The police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation to call Captain Merinah Netshidzati on 071 675 6155.
Information can also be given anonymously via MySAPS App that can be downloaded from any smartphone,” said SAPS Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo
