While schools around the country welcomed learners on the first day of the 2024 academic year, Phoenix Secondary in Clayfield, Phoenix, remained closed after an alleged arson attack at the school on Tuesday evening, 16 January.
Ward Councillor Michelle Lutchmen, who attended the scene of the incident, told the Phoenix Tabloid that she received a call from police and members of the ward committee, alerting her to the fire that had engulfed the library and other parts of the school.
She said: “Upon arriving at the site, I found the community already there and understandably distressed. With the school year set to begin imminently, it’s tragic that the children would have to endure such trauma and delay in starting the school year. I implore parents and former pupils to collaborate with the staff and SGB to rebuild the school, given the Department of Education’s current financial constraints.”
Cllr Lutchmen said they we will push for the KwaZulu-Natal Education Portfolio Committee to address this matter expeditiously as the stationery for the 2024 academic year has also been destroyed in the alleged arson attack.
“We will soon request a visit from the department to assess the extent of the damage. In the meantime, I have liaised with the South African Police Services to prioritise an investigation into the incident. I also want to thank all those that assisted including the community, ward committee members, the CPF, SAPS and the Fire Department,” she added.
Her sentiments on a thorough and speedy investigation were echoed by Democratic Alliance (DA) KZN spokesperson on education, Dr Imran Keeka, who said that the party is “excessively alarmed” by the alleged case of arson at Phoenix Secondary School.
“The fire is said to have gutted significant parts of the premises and a preliminary assessment report, given to our constituency head in the area, Bradley Singh, suggests that text books and stationery intended for distribution when schools open, have also been destroyed together with the library. This 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 eye witness reports of alleged perpetrators leaving the promises shortly after the fire started. We call upon the 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,” added Dr Keeka.
The arson attack is currently being investigated by the Phoenix SAPS. This is a developing story.
