Riverlea school torched, raising concerns of arson

A PRIMARY school in Riverlea, Johannesburg, was gutted by fire last week in what many residents and authorities now suspect was a deliberate act of arson. The blaze, which tore through classrooms and administrative offices late at night, has left the school unusable and the local community reeling.

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

Firefighters responded to the call early morning last week Tuesday, but by the time the flames were brought under control, much of the school's infrastructure had been destroyed. No injuries were reported, but the damage is extensive, leaving hundreds of learners without a place to study as the academic year continues.

As the smoke clears, disturbing allegations are emerging. According to several residents, there had been rising tensions among school staff in the months leading up to the fire. Some believe these internal conflicts could have led to the intentional destruction of the school.