Fire Destroys 11 Classrooms at Riverlea High School as Police Launch Arson Investigation
A devastating fire tore through Riverlea High School in Johannesburg on Sunday evening, destroying 11 classrooms and damaging critical infrastructure. Police have since launched an arson investigation, as the blaze raises major concerns about school safety and security in Gauteng.
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Fire Breaks Out at Riverlea High School
Just before 6 pm on Sunday, 27 April 2025, flames engulfed the old building on Riverlea High School’s premises. The fire quickly spread, consuming classrooms and destroying everything in its path. Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson Xolile Khumalo confirmed that while the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, no injuries were reported.
Emergency crews responded promptly, but the extent of the damage left a section of the school in ruins.
Police Treat the Incident as Arson
Gauteng police wasted no time in opening a case of arson. Spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo announced that a team of senior detectives, including experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory, has been assigned to the case. Investigators are working to determine whether foul play was involved and who might be responsible.
Authorities have called on the public for assistance. Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact Captain Merinah Netshidzati at 071 675 6155.
Grade 8 Learners Among the Worst Affected
The fire directly impacted 230 learners. Of the 11 classrooms destroyed, four were being actively used by Grade 8 learners. The remaining classrooms were not in use, but the damage is still extensive. In addition, the entire boys’ toilet block was completely gutted, leaving male students without essential facilities.
Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that furniture and learning materials were also lost in the blaze.
Gauteng Education Acts Quickly to Restore Learning At Riverlea High School
Despite the destruction, the Gauteng Department of Education has moved swiftly to limit the disruption to teaching and learning. MEC Matome Chiloane announced that schooling will resume on Monday, 5 May 2025, with contingency plans in place.
The department has arranged for learners to be temporarily accommodated in the school hall. Meanwhile, four fully furnished mobile classrooms are being delivered to replace the destroyed structures. Other grades will continue learning without interruption, as the rest of the school’s infrastructure remains intact.
“We are doing everything we can to normalise the situation,” said Mabona. “Our primary goal is to ensure that learning continues without delay.”
Community Demands Stronger School Security
Local residents expressed frustration and fear following the incident. Riverlea resident Edward Scheepers told The Citizen that the fire marks the second suspicious event at the school. Community members are now demanding tighter security and better infrastructure to protect learners.
“We need the Department of Education to step up and protect our schools,” Scheepers said. “Our children deserve a safe learning environment.”
Calls are growing for CCTV cameras and increased security personnel, especially in vulnerable communities like Riverlea and nearby Eldorado Park.
MEC Chiloane Condemns the Fire At Riverlea High School
MEC Matome Chiloane strongly condemned the fire, calling it an attack on South Africa’s future.
“An attack on a school is an attack on the future of our country,” Chiloane said. “We urge anyone with knowledge of this crime to assist law enforcement in their investigation.”
He reassured the public that the department remains committed to supporting the Riverlea High School community and restoring the damaged facilities.
Urgent Need for Action and Accountability
The fire at Riverlea High School highlights the urgent need for enhanced security, accountability, and community involvement in safeguarding schools. While the Department of Education has taken commendable steps to restore learning, this incident serves as a wake-up call for systemic improvements in school safety across Gauteng.
As the police investigation unfolds, the Riverlea community—and South Africa at large—awaits answers and justice for what many believe was a deliberate act of destruction.
