THE family of Pabala Mashigwane (21) wants justice after he died in a gas explosion fire at the Zodwa Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) School in Atteridgeville, Tshwane, on Wednesday, 23 August.
Two people died on the scene, and four were injured and transported to Kalafong Hospital.
Pabala's aunt, Selina Mashigwane (60), alleged that an angry former employee is behind her niece's death and gas explosion.
She said the suspect allegedly kicked the gas bottle and set it alight.
"A man entered the premises, kicked the gas bottle, and lit it with a match. The gas exploded, and my niece struggled to exit the mobile classroom," she said.
Selina said her niece was only there for a month and was still learning how to weld.
"This is painful, and we were looking forward to a lot from him. This is devastating for the whole family," she said.
She said the family needs justice for Pabala.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school and family.
"So far, what we know is that one suspect has been arrested on allegations that he was fired on Tuesday, 22 August, lost his temper, somehow had access to the premises, and there was a gas leak. It is an allegation until proven otherwise," said the MEC.
"Subsequently, a fire broke out at the school premises, which unfortunately resulted in the death of two contractor employees trapped inside a mobile classroom. At least four other contractor employees sustained injuries due to fire.”
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He said they were shaken by the abrupt gas explosion that stole two lives. He extended his condolences to the affected families and the school community at large.
Tshwane Emergency Services spokesman deputy chief Charles Mabaso said two badly burnt bodies of males were discovered.
"Four other patients were transported by ambulance to Kalafong Hospital."
Mabaso said the fire was then extinguished, and the scene was handed over to the police to investigate circumstances that might have led to the explosion and fire.
Gauteng police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said: "Police arrested a 49-year-old suspect on Thursday, 24 August, and he will be charged with two counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder and arson."
The suspect will appear in the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court on Friday, 25 August.
