Times Of Swaziland: SCHOOL LAB, LIBRARY, OFFICE PETROL–BOMBED

SCHOOL LAB, LIBRARY, OFFICE PETROL–BOMBED
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Sibusiso Zwane on 26/01/2022 10:18:00


MANZINI – At least three structures were affected when an unknown arsonist
struck at Ncabaneni High School.
According to a source close to the matter, the arsonist petrol-bombed the
school’s computer laboratory, library and the head teacher’s office. The
incident took place in the wee hours of yesterday morning, but teaching and
learning was not affected. Ncabaneni High School is located about 38.4
kilometres in the south-west of the hub of the country (Manzini). Even though
the damage is yet to be assessed and evaluated, a source said at the computer
laboratory, at least two computer sets were burnt, while at the library some
books were also reduced to ashes.
Damages
However, the damage in the head teacher’s office could not be ascertained by
the time of compiling this report. The source said the police who attended to
the incident suspected that the structures were petrol-bombed because there was
a smell of petrol when they arrived at the scene in the early hours of yesterday
morning. She said since the damage was not that bad, the law enforcers managed
to collect some pieces of evidence, which they said they would use in their
investigations. Acting Manzini Regional Education Officer (REO) Sizwe Kunene
confirmed the incident. He said according to the school’s administration, the
damage was mild. He said they were still waiting for a report, after which, they
would be in a better position to comment on the matter.
Deputy Police Information and Communications Officer Inspector Nosipho Mnguni
said the police were investigating the matter. She said no arrest had been made
so far. Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Education and Training
Bhekithemba Gama said they were informed about the incident yesterday afternoon.
As such, he said the ministry’s officials would go to the school today to
assess and evaluate the damage. He said after that exercise, they would be able
to see if the damage would affect the upcoming external examinations for Junior
Certificate (JC) and Eswatini General Certificate in Secondary Education
(EGCSE). However, the PS mentioned that it was an unfortunate incident as the
affected structures were meant to better the future of the children. “This is
work of tigebengu and bosidlani (criminals) and they deserve the full wrath of
the law,” the PS said.
Arsonists
It is worth noting that after government reopened schools in early September
2021, a number of schools were petrol-bombed by unknown arsonists. Some of the
schools which were affected in the Manzini Region included Lomadvokola Primary
School, Mncozini High School and Dvokolwako High School, together with Ngcoseni
Central High School. Following the arson attack on properties, including schools
and tinkhundla centres among other structures, the national commissioner of
police said there would be a cash reward for people who would give the police
information on the suspected arsonists.
Again, it is worth mentioning that earlier this month, His Majesty King Mswati
III warned whosoever was behind the arson attacks in the country to stop with
immediate effect. He said this in his first 2022 address to the nation, which he
made when dispersing the regiment after the weeding of royal fields. He said any
further attacks on properties and emaSwati would be taken as a direct attack on
the King as everything in the country belonged to the head of State. It should
be noted that when schools reopened in September 2021, Ncabaneni High School
pupils boycotted classes and delivered a petition with 10 demands.