JOHANNESBURG — A suspected arson attack has left hundreds of students without classrooms after a fire tore through Riverlea Secondary School in Randburg over the weekend
.The blaze, which erupted on Sunday, destroyed 11 classrooms in what Gauteng education officials are calling a deliberate act of destruction.”We have reason to believe there were unauthorized individuals on school grounds when the fire started,” a department spokesperson said.
The fire reportedly began in an unused classroom before spreading rapidly through an entire block of the school building.
Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed that a formal arson investigation has been opened. “A team of senior detectives, including members of the forensic science laboratory, will be investigating the incident and tracking down those responsible,” Masondo said.
Authorities are urging community members with information to come forward. “The police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation. Information can also be given anonymously via My SAPS app,” Masondo added.
The Gauteng Education Department has implemented emergency measures to ensure learning continues, with approximately 230 affected pupils set to be accommodated in mobile classrooms when they return to school on Monday.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed outrage at the incident, condemning it as “a senseless attack on the future of the country.”This incident comes as the province grapples with ongoing challenges of school vandalism and infrastructure protection.
Police have not yet disclosed potential motives behind the suspected arson.
Community members have begun organizing support for the affected students and teachers, with local businesses offering donations of school supplies to replace those lost in the fire.
School officials are expected to hold a community meeting later this week to address parent concerns and outline recovery plans.