Two learners from Lancae Vale Secondary in Eldorado Park have been arrested in connection with the fire that severely damaged three classrooms, including a science laboratory. Both learners are facing charges of arson.
(The Post News)- Following an incident of a fire breakout that destroyed three classrooms in Lancea Vale Secondary School in Eldorado Park on Tuesday, August 20, two Grade 8 learners have been arrested.
The police confirmed that two learners were arrested for allegedly starting the fire.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, while the police were conducting a preliminary investigation, teachers from the school identified two learners who they suspected to have started the fire.
Masondo reported that one learner was arrested on Tuesday and the other on Wednesday.
Both learners are facing a charge of arson, and they were taken to a safe location.
The learners are anticipated to appear at the Lanesia Magistrate’s Court in due course.
The fire began at about 14:26 p.m. and spread quickly, damaging the classrooms.
Although no casualties were reported, the incident has raised safety concerns at the school.
According to a letter sent to parents from the school, part of the block where the three damaged classrooms are located has debris and structural damage, and they cannot be used.
The letter further stated that there will be no school for the Grades 11 and 8 on Wednesday, August 21, as they need to cordon off the affected area and clear up the debris caused by the fire.
Meanwhile, following the fire incident at Lancea Vale Secondary School, education activist Hendrick Makaneta has urged the government to install CCTV cameras in all high-risk zones near Eldorado Park.
In a media statement, Makaneta stated that the installation of CCTV cameras is critical for preventing possible perpetrators and improving security and surveillance in the schools.
Makaneta said this “heinous act of vandalism not only destroys physical infrastructure,” but also jeopardizes the fundamental foundation of the educational system.
He said that this occurrence is most likely to interrupt the teaching and learning process, asserting that schools should promote learning and academic performance, but have been hampered by disruptive behaviour, denying future generations the right to an adequate education.
Furthermore, he stated that schools are sacred spaces for learning, growth, and empowerment, and destroying them is a loss for the entire community.
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