Matungulu Boys Secondary School has been closed indefinitely after a fire razed four dormitories on Sunday night, prompting the arrest of four students suspected of arson.
The fire, which broke out at around 10:00 p.m., left at least 15 students injured and displaced more than 300 learners, many of whom lost personal belongings including beds, bedding, textbooks, and school uniforms.
Police arrested the four suspects on Monday after their names emerged during preliminary investigations.
Matungulu Boys Secondary Closed Following Dormitory Fire, Four Students Held. Photo: Courtesy.
Authorities have since launched a comprehensive probe to establish the cause of the fire and the extent of the suspects’ involvement.
A resident living near the school said there was unrest before the fire broke out and alerted a local administrator, who in turn contacted the police.
However, officers arrived when the dormitories were already fully ablaze.
In the aftermath, school management announced the indefinite closure of the institution and directed all students to return home.
Parents who rushed to the school were allowed to collect their children once the closure was confirmed.
Dozens of students received treatment at a nearby hospital for injuries sustained during the incident, though the exact number has not been officially confirmed.
