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Six suspects identified in Glenvista school fire probe, education dept says

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MEC Panyaza Lesufi inspecting parts of the hall that was torched at Glenvista High School
MEC Panyaza Lesufi inspecting parts of the hall that was torched at Glenvista High School
Supplied by Education department
  • Six suspects have been identified in a Glenvista High School fire investigation.
  • The six have been identified as a part of the school governing body's investigation.
  • Police are still waiting for a report on the cause of the fire in their investigation.

A school governing body (SGB) investigation into a fire that damaged parts of Glenvista High School in Johannesburg has identified six suspects.

It is believed that pupils who refused to write an assessment test set alight parts of the school on Monday.

However, no suspects have been identified in the police's investigation.

Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed on Thursday that six suspects had been identified in the SGB probe.

But, according to Gauteng police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo, no arrests have been made in the police case, which was opened at the Mondeor police station.

"We have not identified any suspects, although we are interviewing some of the learners. We are also waiting for the inspector's report pertaining to the cause of the fire," he said.

READ HERE | Glenvista High School fire: Lesufi explains why the education dept won't fix the damage

The blaze damaged curtains, a projector screen, electrical wiring and a public address system inside the school hall. The damage to the school has been estimated to amount to around R400 000.

However, during a visit to the school this week, Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said the department would not cover the cost of the repairs to the damage.

"We are devastated to discover that learners could go as far as committing an act of arson and destroying school infrastructure to escape an important assessment. As such, we will not fix the damages caused by this fire. The school must see to it," he previously told News24.


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