Grade 7 classrooms destroyed in arson attack
The gutted remains of a grade 7 classroom
Teaching came to an abrupt halt at a primary school after four classrooms, a library and admin office were gutted in an arson attack.
George Madoda Primary School in the Tswaing sub-district, North West, torched in the early hours of Wednesday, has caused unrest among learners.
North West education spokesperson Elias Malindi said the four classrooms used by Grade 7 learners, who have just returned from lockdown, would further delay the academic year.
“As a result, classes are on hold until we can establish an alternative.” Malindi said.
North West education MEC Mmaphefo Matsemela described the attack as selfish and strongly condemned the vandalism perpetrated by the arsonists.
“We woke up to a call by the fire department that one of our schools was on fire. As it is, the country is phasing in learners to get them back to school. This comes after a three-month break due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We plead with the community to work with the department to report any leads to the local police,” Matsemela said.
Matsemela said this was the second arson attack at this school. In July 2019, two mobile classrooms burnt down.
A case of arson was opened and no arrests has been made yet.
The department reported cases of theft, arson and vandalism to schools during the Covid-19 lockdown.
In May, the department reported 10 offices burnt down when the administration block caught fire at Machama Primary School at Manamakgoteng village near Moruleng.
This was the third arson attack at the school during the Covid-19 lockdown.
