Five pupils arrested after fire destroys classrooms at high school in Krugersdorp
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that five pupils were arrested following a fire at the Thuto-Lefa Secondary School in Munsieville, Krugersdorp, on Wednesday afternoon.
The blaze destroyed two mobile classrooms and has disrupted the academic programme just weeks before preliminary examinations.
According to preliminary information, the fire is suspected to have been started deliberately by learners unhappy with recent changes to the school timetable.
The adjustments were introduced to allow for syllabus completion and revision ahead of the exam season.
Police are investigating the matter, and the arrested pupils — four in Grade 10 and one in Grade 9 — are currently in custody.
Law enforcement is expected to probe the full extent of the damage and whether more individuals were involved.
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a criminal act that undermines the right to education.
"Burning a classroom is not a form of protest, it is a criminal act that robs learners of their right to quality education. We will not tolerate such destructive behaviour, and those responsible must face the full consequences of the law."
Mabona says the department will work closely with the school’s leadership and stakeholders to restore order and continue teaching with minimal disruption.
Damage assessments are underway, and the possible deployment of temporary classrooms is being considered to ensure learning resumes as soon as possible.
"The Department will not hesitate to act decisively in defence of the schooling environment. We urge learners, communities, parents, and learners to work together with school leadership and authorities to preserve the integrity of our schools," Mabona added.
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