By Levy Masiteng
Four suspects aged between 18 and 19-years-old have been arrested in connection with the arson and vandalism at Mpolweni Secondary School in the uMgungundlovu District of KwaZulu-Natal.Â
The suspects were caught late on Wednesday by law enforcement agencies following an investigation into the arson attack, which left parts of the school damaged.
The attack took place in the early hours of Wednesday, with matric final exams scheduled to be written that day. The school hall, however, was not damaged, and the exams continued.
Classrooms and offices were torched, and school property was stolen, including school stamps, kettles, and other valuable items. The police recovered all of the items.
The KZN Department of Education welcomed the arrests, with MECÂ Sipho Hlomuka commending the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the uMgungundlovu District Municipality for their joint efforts in bringing the suspects to book.
“We will not allow criminals to sabotage the education of our learners. The arrests send a strong message that anyone who destroys or steals from a school will face the full might of the law,” said Hlomuka.
He said the department had a zero-tolerance stance towards acts of criminality in which education infrastructure was targeted.
“This is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when communities, law enforcement agencies and government structures work together to protect our schools. We are deeply grateful for the commitment shown by SAPS and the uMgungundlovu Municipality in prioritising this case,” added Hlomuka.
The department said the suspects are in police custody and being questioned as part of the investigation.
INSIDE EDUCATION
