They were sentenced in the KwaMhlanga Regional Court after the incident that took place in February last year when they broke into Peter Mokaba Primary School with the intention of stealing computers. After failing to access equipment, they deliberately set fire to the administration office.

The fire spread rapidly, causing extensive damage exceeding R1 million, including offices, furniture, and essential school resources. Video footage captured their actions, leading to their subsequent arrest.

READ | KwaMhlanga school gutted by fire

The matter was dealt with in terms of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008, read together with the Children’s Act 38 of 2008. The juveniles pleaded guilty to the charges and were duly convicted.

State Prosecutor, Biance Harmse presented pre-sentence reports, which revealed ongoing behavioural challenges at home and at school. The court found that detention in a youth care centre was an appropriate sentence, taking into account the objectives of rehabilitation, deterrence, and restoration.

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The Mpumalanga Department of Education was alerted and officials were sent to the scene to assess the extent of the damage and provide recommendations on the necessary steps moving forward.

Gerald Sambo from the department said a formal investigation on the incident will be undertaken in collaboration with the relevant institutions. “A case of arson has already been been opened at the KwaMhlanga Police Station to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” said Sambo.

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The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this stage, however the department urges anyone with information that could assist with the investigation to contact the KwaMhlanga Police Station.

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