The learners of the Emmasdal Child and Youth Care Centre outside Heidelberg were removed after a fire broke out in the dormitory on June 11. According to unconfirmed sources, the fire was started by some of the girls.
The centre looks after children with emotional, psychological and cognitive challenges. The centre used to be a school for boys but they were moved to JW Luckhoff CYCC about a year ago and Emmasdal became a centre for girls.
According to MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza from the Gauteng Department of Social Development, all the learners were removed from the premises and alternative accommodation has been arranged.
“We have informed the parents of the children at the centre and are now awaiting a comprehensive report from both the fire department and police on the exact course of the fire. We are also waiting for a full report from our personnel on the circumstances that led to the accident,” the MEC said.
