Tshidiso Modise (21) was arrested and appeared in the Smithfield Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (10/8) for the possession of suspected stolen property, arson, as well as housebreaking and theft, among others. 

Free State police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli said angry community members stood outside the court in numbers, chanting songs urging the court not to release the suspect.

The case against Modise was remanded to Wednesday (16/8) for a formal bail application while he remained in police custody.

Thakeng said Modise was arrested after Smithfield police investigated four cases with the same modus operandi where classes at Relebohile Siyabulela Combined School were set alight on Saturday 29 July. 

Intelligence information led investigators to a house in Smithfield where the suspect was residing. On arrival, they found stolen school uniforms and stolen items from four other places as reported by the owners. 

 Free State Education MEC Makalo Mohale has welcomed the arrest, “because our schools are targets for criminal activities within our communities. They normally target our schools during weekends and holidays. It's worse during load-shedding, as was the case at Relebohile Siyabulela Combined School.”

Makalo called on community members to safeguard schools and report perpetrators.   

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