Police open case of arson after fire guts Riverlea High School [VIDEO]

Gauteng police have opened a case of arson after 11 classrooms were destroyed in a fire at the Riverlea High School, west of Johannesburg.

The blaze broke out just before 6pm Sunday.

Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said the classrooms that caught fire were located on the old site/building.

Investigation

Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said investigations are underway to determine if there was foul play.

“A team of senior detectives, which includes Forensic Science Laboratory members, has been established to investigate the matter and to trace the person or people responsible for the burning of the school.

“The police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation to call Captain Merinah Netshidzati on 071 675 6155.”

Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the 11 classrooms were burnt down along with their furniture.

“Of the affected classrooms, four of them were actively being used by Grade 8 learners, while the remainder were unoccupied. Furthermore, the entire boys’ toilet block was destroyed in the fire, which will affect all boy learners at the school.”

WATCH: Riverlea resident, Edward Scheepers, speaking to The Citizen about the fire

Riverlea resident, Edward Scheepers speaks to The Citizen at Riverlea Secondary school in Johannesburg after 11 classes were completely gutted by fire. Video: Nigel Sibanda. #RiverleaHighSchool #Fire @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/YhARXywFq6

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ALSO READ: Eleven classrooms destroyed after fire guts Riverlea High School

Learning

Mabona said the department is working urgently to ensure that learning continues with minimal disruption when schooling resumes on Monday, 5 May 2025.

“A temporary plan has been put in place to use the school hall for affected learners while arrangements are being finalised for the delivery of 4 mobile classrooms, fully furnished, to replace the lost classrooms.”

Security

Riverlea resident, Edward Scheepers, told The Citizen that people were angry after the fire gutted the school.

“This is the second attempt that took place. We would like to find out and see what the Department of Education is going to do for our children. We need security to assist to protect the schools.”

Mabona said that the rest of the school’s infrastructure remains intact and operations for other grades will continue without significant challenges.

“Approximately 230 learners are directly impacted by the aftermath of this fire, and every effort is being made to normalise the situation swiftly,” he said.

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