THE outcome of police investigations will determine how the Department of Education (DoE) will react to the fire which damaged the staff room at the Masakhane High School just outside Empangeni.
Should investigations reveal parents or pupils were involved, the DoE will not pay or repair any damages caused by the blaze that broke out last Tuesday night.
‘If the school is responsible than they will have to fix all the damages. We are tired of these acts and people who damage school property,’ said uThungulu DoE Director, David Chonco.
‘The department will also conduct a investigation to determine how much damaged was caused,’
The fire destroyed unmarked test scripts, text books and other administration documents before community members managed to stop it from spreading.
Residents forced entry to the locked school grounds after the fire was reported by a neighbour at 7:30pm.
According to the police, evidence showed perpetrators used burning paper to start the fire through the structure’s back window.
Though the motive behind the incident is still unknown, a case of arson was been opened at the Empangeni police station.
Chonco also rejected claims that the blaze was related to shocking reports of 30 pregnant pupils at the school, which apparently angered some parents.
‘All that has been resolved because there is a programme at the school which now deals with that report. We are working with social workers to educate pupils and the school now have support,’ he said.
The community held a meeting at the weekend to discuss the way forward.
