NATIONAL NEWS - Arson is suspected to be behind the fire that gutted Phoenix Secondary School in Durban last night, the eve of the opening of schools.
The fire is said to have gutted significant parts of the school premises.
The DA in KZN says it believes that arson is behind the fire.
A DA preliminary assessment report given to their constituency head in the area, Bradley Singh, suggests that textbooks and stationery intended for distribution when schools open were also destroyed, along with the library.
VIDEO: Fire at Phoenix Secondary School in Durban
Dr Imran Keeka, MPL and DA KZN spokesperson on education, said the fact that there is a suggestion that this is a deliberate act is most revolting, especially on the eve of the first schooling day of the new year.
“The investigation must be swift, especially since there are eyewitness reports of alleged perpetrators leaving the premises shortly after the fire started.
“We call upon SAPS to work closely with the community and fire investigators to gather as much evidence as they can while expeditiously hunting down those who have allegedly committed this miserable crime.
“The impact on learning and teaching will be immense and this is very unfortunate,” said Keeka.
There are reports that the school will not re-open today, but on 22 January.
Further information will be published once available.
Article: Caxton publication, Witness
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