KZN teen arrested after alleged arson attempt at Siphapheme High

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is investigating damage caused to the Siphapheme High School near Umzinto after a 16-year-old schoolboy allegedly set it on fire. The learner had allegedly been expelled. What started as a disciplinary matter at school has now become a criminal investigation after the fire broke out at the school earlier this month. The teachers’ staff lounge was completely gutted, with the roof collapsing, furniture reduced to ashes and windows shattered. The departmental head’s office was also partially damaged. A 16-year-old pupil has since been arrested and charged with arson, and he has since appeared in Dududu Magistrate’s Court on 17 August. Details of the events leading to his alleged expulsion are unclear at this stage. KZN Education has deployed a multidisciplinary team to assess the damage and determine the repairs needed. The department says it is working with police as the investigation continues. Attempts to get comment from the school governing body were unsuccessful. -Report by Gcinokuhle Malinga