Investigation underway as three classrooms torched
Three classrooms provisioned for the phasing in of grade 11 learners were set alight in the Magogoe Koikoi village in Mafikeng on Wednesday evening.
Police are investigating a case of arson after the principal of Ramaine -A- Phetlhu Secondary School received a call from a resident alerting him about the fire.
According to the North West education spokesperson Elias Malindi, the principal, upon arrival at the school, found three burning tyres placed in front of two classrooms, with the fire extending to the third classroom.
Extensive damage including classroom furniture and part of the roof has been caused to two of the classrooms.
The fire department and police were on scene and the extent of the damage has been assessed.
The North West education MEC, Mmaphefo Matsemela appealed to the community to assist in identifying the culprits as this is a setback to an already compromised academic year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The department is tirelessly working on phasing in other grades and this kind of setback is gravely unacceptable”, Matsemela said.
The department said that alternative classrooms will be made available to learners.
No arrests have been made as yet.