SCHOOL LAB, LIBRARY, OFFICE PETROL–BOMBED

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.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: