Five learners from Thuto-Lefa Secondary School in Munsieville, Krugersdorp, have been arrested after allegedly setting fire to two mobile classrooms on Wednesday afternoon. The Gauteng Education Department confirmed that four Grade 10 pupils and one Grade 9 learner were taken into custody following the incident, which was reportedly sparked by dissatisfaction over recent timetable changes.
School Infrastructure Destroyed
The fire caused significant damage to the mobile classrooms, which were primarily used for Grade 8 learners. Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona described the scene as “quite sad,” noting that a third classroom was also partially affected.
“It’s alleged that the learners were unhappy with adjustments made to the timetable, which were intended to assist with exam preparation,” Mabona said. “Instead of engaging through proper channels, they resorted to destroying property that benefits other students.”
Department Vows Action
The department has pledged to assess the damage and implement temporary measures to minimize disruption to schooling. Mabona stated that officials would visit the school on Thursday to determine the next steps, including possible security upgrades.
“We will ensure learners are accommodated, though overcrowding may become an issue due to this destruction,” he added.
Calls for Discipline and Community Involvement
Mabona emphasized the role of parents and the School Governing Body (SGB) in maintaining discipline, urging families to instill accountability in their children.
“Parents cannot abdicate their responsibility. Learners have representation—they should raise concerns through proper structures, not violence,” he said.
Broader Challenges: School Safety and Admissions
The incident has also raised concerns about school security, with community members noting lax fencing and unauthorized access to the premises. Mabona mentioned that the department may deploy additional patrollers or temporary security personnel if needed.
Meanwhile, the department urged parents to complete 2026 admissions for Grades 1 and 8 before the August 29 deadline, with over 600,000 applications already received.
Conclusion
As investigations continue, authorities are working to restore normalcy at Thuto-Lefa Secondary while addressing broader issues of learner discipline and infrastructure security.
