’Devastating’: Fire rages at high school

A FIRE destroyed large parts of Garies High School in the Namakwa District on Saturday morning after a fire erupted in the school building.

The spokesperson for the Northern Cape MEC for Education, Geoffrey van der Merwe, said the the exact cause of the fire is not known at this stage.

“It is not clear whether arson is suspected,” said Van der Merwe. “The fire is currently burning beyond control and we are not sure about the extent of the damage. The situation concerns us hugely as pupils are busy with examinations and could possibly lose all their school work.

“The fire is a devastating blow as the school accommodates Grade 12 pupils as well as pupils from a number of surrounding communities in the Kamiesberg municipal district.

“The department will assess the damage once the fire is brought under control and will implement an immediate emergency plan to assist educators, learners and support staff of Garies High School.”