Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli confirmed that they are investigating a case of arson and malicious damage to property after a group of learners from Upper Corana Senior Secondary School in Libode allegedly went amok and set alight several school building blocks and further damaged school properties on Thursday, August 31.
It is alleged that they were demanding new classrooms.
“It is further allegedly that the learners took their protest action to route R61 near Libode, blocked it with burning tires, and also pelted passing vehicles with stones. Police soon managed to control the situation. In another incident related to the same protest on the same day, a traffic officer allegedly fired a shot and injured one of the protesters on R61 near Ngqeleni,” said Nkohli.
He said a case of attempted murder was opened for further investigation. Nkohli added that the incident’s circumstances are forming part of the investigation. “There is a possibility of additional charges such as Criminal Matters Amendment Act at the later stage of the investigation. The arrests are imminent.”
The Department of Education’s spokesperson, Mali Mtima, confirmed that Grade 12 learners from this school were allocated to nearby schools so that they could finish their trial exams.
“The Department and the relevant stakeholders will hold a meeting today to discuss the way forward regarding this matter and also to get a solution on how the learners from other Grades will be assisted,” said Mtima.
