Soshanguve high school and Amogelang high school have been torched in Soshanguve during the 21 days of lockdown in the country.
The department of education confirmed that about twenty-two schools were vandalized in Gauteng since the period of the lockdown.
MEC of education in Gauteng, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, said it is believed that there is a syndicate operating in the area.
“We really do not know what is happening in Soshanguve, this is to register our plea with the Security Cluster to protect our schools. We are dismayed to report about yet another school destroyed by fire, worse within a few days in the same area.”
“This is worrisome, it looks like same modus operandi is used, we are tempted to believe that there is a Syndicate operating in the area, the sooner these cowards are arrested the better,” said MEC Lesufi.
The fire department has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and the police are investigating circumstances surrounding this incident as well.
Ms Portia Sibone, spokesperson of the Soshanguve police station said the forensic officer who reported after the fire at Phuthanang primary school said that it was an arson which means the school was set alight deliberately.
Police Captain Stephen Maluleke of Rietgat police station said they are working around the clock to ensure that they find these perpetrators.
“We are working around the clock to make sure that all the perpetrators that are responsible for these acts are brought forth. For now, we cannot rule over a possible syndicate, however, we are busy with investigations.”
