Elmon Tshikhudo
On Thursday morning, staff at Malamulele High School arrived for class to find that arsonists had caused severe damage to large parts of the building.
It was the school’s second such attack in recent years.
In 2015, Malamulele High School in Limpopo suffered a severe setback when a section of the school was burnt during violent protests in the area.
As if that was not enough, on Thursday morning learners had a rude awakening when they found the school broken into and burnt.
The 2015 fire burnt down an admin block with all its contents and it has not been restored to this day.
Theft was involved in the fire discovered on Thursday. It is believed the school was broken into by unknown people and groceries meant for the learners were stolen.
A classroom and staffroom were apparently burnt to conceal evidence.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mamphaswa Seabi said police were on routine patrol when they came across the fire.
“The school gates were locked and police broke the padlocks to gain entry to the premises. Upon entry they found the staffroom block on fire.”” He said it was where all the stationery, laptops and printing machines were kept.
Further police investigations revealed that one of the classrooms, where the school kept the feeding scheme food meant for learners, was also broken into and the food parcels were missing. Other groceries were scattered within the school premises.
A manhunt has since been launched for the unknown suspects.
The total value of the damaged property is not known at this stage.
Lawrence Mabunda, a local resident, said the incident was a blow to the community.
“It should be remembered that the school was burnt during protests and the government has not rebuilt the burnt block.
“This is too much for us as a community, especially the learners,” he said.
Limpopo education spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene said the district office and the infrastructure team will visit the school to assess the situation.
Seabi urged anyone with information that can assist with investigations to contact the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Mzamane Shivambu, on 082 319 9724 or Crime Stop, number 0860 010 111, the nearest police station or the My SAPSApp.
Image source: IOL
