ANGRY villagers from Mphatlalatsane Village in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State, allegedly torched Mphatlalatsane Combined School during an electricity protest on Saturday, 4 June.
Four Grade 7 classrooms were torched.
The village has been without electricity for two weeks as a result of serious vandalism at the SS1 Substation. Roads were also barricaded with big stones and rubbish during the protest, while stones were thrown at passing vehicles.
Teboho Mokoena, who is a representative for the residents, told Daily Sun that criminals took advantage of the protest and set the school alight.
“Everybody was frustrated due to the power cut. But the torching of a school is senseless.
“The responsible individuals should face the full might of the lawOur service delivery frustrations must not negatively impact our children’s future,” said Mokoena.
The Free State education MEC, Dr Tate Makgoe, said he was shocked and dismayed by the incident.
“The cause of the inferno is still unknown. Desks and books were lost in the fire. There is suspicion that arson might have been committed, that is why we are calling on community members to assist law enforcement agencies in apprehending the alleged arsonists,” said Makgoe.
Makgoe further indicated that burning and destroying school property will keep the province behind in terms of addressing infrastructure challenges in schools.
“The school has more than 1 000 pupils and will experience overcrowding since four classrooms have been affected
“We will be forced to go back to a rotational model to avoid overcrowding,” explained Makgoe.
Warrant officer Mmako Mophiring confirmed that an inquest docket has been registered at Phuthaditjhaba Police Station.
