On Wednesday night more attempts were made to set alight the Victoria Girls' High School buildings; this comes after the bursar's office caught fire last Thursday, after which a case of arson was opened with the police.
On Wednesday night more attempts were made to set alight the Victoria Girls' High School buildings; this comes after the bursar's office caught fire last Thursday, after which a case of arson was opened with the police.
On Wednesday night two attempts were made to set alight different entry points to the school, one of which was a main door in the administration section, leaving burn marks on the doors.
The school has reportedly received several emailed threats, including one after this Wednesday's fire. Additional cases of intimidation are also under investigation. So far it's difficult to assess the overall damage incurred, and the school's principal is reluctant to speak about any other details surrounding the fires.
Warren Schmidt, the high school's principal, told Grocott's Mail that the police have advised the school to give out limited information. "We were very open about what happened last time but this time we can't be," Schmidt said.
"I believe in complete transparency, but… it could be that I jeopardise the investigation by being so open."
This incident is now the fourth fire at a school in Grahamstown school in the last two months, and although Schmidt was wary to label it as arson, he remarked that it definitely wasn't an accident.
However, he was very quick to reassure that everything is being done to ensure the safety of the school's pupils. "The School Governing Body and the School Management Team are currently in the process of increasing security both on campus and within the buildings themselves," he said.
A newsletter has also been sent out to the pupils' parents and guardians, ensuring them that the safety of the girls is of the utmost importance to the school. No witnesses have come forward and no arrests have been made in connection with the fires.
Grahamstown police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said the cases were of an extremely serious nature and anyone with information is urged to contact Captain Riaan Havenga on 082 416 8279.
