A suspect has been arrested by Gauteng police in connection with a tragic incident at a Pretoria special needs school that resulted in a devastating fire, claiming the lives of two school employees and leaving four others injured.
Latest updates in Pretoria special needs school fire
In a statement, police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrest of the suspect in relation to the fire that ravaged the Zodwa Learners with Special Educational Needs school.
Per IOL News, the suspect now faces serious charges including two counts of murder, attempted murder, and arson.
The tragic incident occurred during the morning hours on Wednesday, 23 August 2023, when emergency services rushed to the scene of the fire at the special needs school.
Upon arrival, responders discovered container classrooms engulfed in flames. Regrettably, a male’s badly burnt body was found amidst the chaos.
As the situation unfolded, a second body was discovered later. In addition to the fatalities, four individuals were injured and promptly taken to Kalafong Hospital for medical attention.
Thabo Mabaso, spokesperson for the Tshwane Emergency Services Department (TESD), conveyed more details about the incident.
He noted that the fire was successfully extinguished, and the area was handed over to the South African Police Services for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion and ensuing fire.
The victims of this tragedy were staff members employed by a contractor tasked with repairing classrooms at the school.
The devastating loss prompted expressions of grief and shock from educational authorities, with Matome Chiloane, Gauteng’s executive council member for education, extending heartfelt condolences to the affected families and the wider school community.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss and wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the affected families and school community at large. We also wish a speedy recovery to those employees who were injured by this incident,” Chiloane said.
The suspect is expected to make his first court appearance in the near future.