Moloto – Fire has destroyed buildings at Peter Mokaba Primary School in Moloto, near KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.
The classrooms caught alight early morning on Saturday, (8 February 2025).
Mpumalanga Department of Education Spokesperson Jasper Zwane said they “received disturbing information about the fire that broke out at Peter Mokaba Primary School. The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this stage.”
Zwane added: “The department has directed officials to be on the scene to assess the extent of the damage and provide recommendations on the necessary steps moving forward.
“The department is closely monitoring the situation…”
The department has appealed to communities to cooperate with the relevant authorities in their investigations.
Some residents said they were awoken by the blaze.
The residents said they suspected arson and appealed to the police to leave no stone unturned to find the culprits.
Concerned resident Maria Mahlangu, said: “We are still shocked about this crime. We were asleep when we noticed a blaze coming from the school.
“This is painful because the perpetrators are not taking the future of our kids serious.
“We will cooperate with the authorities to clamp down on the criminals.”
Johannes Mohlala, a parent of a child at the school said: “We don’t understand why the school was damaged in this manner.
“It is clear that our lives are also at stake since criminals can target schools.
“We will not rest until we know these perpetrators and their motive behind this incident.”
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the cause of the fire was the subject of further investigation.
“A case of arson has been opened for further investigation,” Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane said.
