According to the MEC, Wendy Matsemela, the Gaetsho Secondary School in Boikhutso near town had its kitchen, storeroom and tuck shop burned. She says the cause of the incident is unknown but they have since reported the matter to the local police in that area to probe. It is alleged that on Tuesday night, the school caught fire and the mentioned sections were damaged. The Fire Department and the police were immediately called to the scene. Matsemela says the raging fire took about five hours to be extinguished and she has since called for those causing the fire to be arrested.

At around 20:00, the principal received a call from a community member that the school was on fire. He immediately called the fire department and the police to the scene.

"As the department, we are extremely disappointed by this horrible act of burning a school building. This is aimed at derailing our efforts of providing a conducive learning environment to the learners at schools. "I am calling on those behind this barbaric incident to face the full might of the law. We are happy that teaching and learning is continuing without any disturbance," she says.

Four gas stoves, six big pots, a fridge and some groceries were damaged by the fire. The School Governing Body (SGB) is expected to meet later on 17 August to discuss the way forward.

OFM News