Police in the North West are investigating a case of arson following a fire that destroyed the school hall at Matlhare Mokautu Secondary School in Monakato township.
According to the Department of Education, the damage is estimated at R5 million.
The fire broke out after school hours on Friday, 21 August 2026. The cause of the fire is not yet known, and investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The fire caused extensive damage to the school hall and its facilities.
“The items damaged include the ceiling, roof, kitchen shelves, eight toilet sets, one urinal basin, four basins, old books, two fire extinguishers, a hydrant hosepipe, five window frames, eight wooden-glass doors and seven internal doors,” said the department’s Director of Communication Services, Dr Elias Malindi.
Meanwhile, the department’s MEC, Dr Desbo Mohono, expressed sadness following the incident and condemned those responsible.
“In my first meeting with the senior managers of the Department, they reported the Department’s backlog in the provision of school infrastructure across the province.
“The burning of the school hall seriously undermines the progress we are making in delivering much-needed school infrastructure.
“I strongly condemn such incidents at our schools and call on the SAPS to get to the bottom of this matter and ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law,” said Dr Mohono.
