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Arson Probe After Fire Destroys Classroom Block at Riverlea Secondary

The Gauteng education chief estimates a R45 million repair bill that will displace hundreds of pupils.

Riverlea Secondary School's7 classes caught fire 5 were completely burnt and two partially in Johannesburg, 8 April 2026. The cause of the fire is believed to be arson three blocks so far have been burnt in different years. Picture: Nigel Sibanda/ The Citizen
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Overview

  • The Johannesburg school, which caught fire Tuesday evening, lost a full block with classrooms, a science lab and the library as the roof collapsed during an overnight battle to contain the blaze.
  • Police have opened an arson case and fire investigators are collecting evidence while officials wait for the formal fire report.
  • After a Wednesday visit, Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile put the repair cost at about R45 million and called on the community to help identify those responsible.
  • Roughly 300 to 320 learners in Grades 8 and 9 have been moved into the school hall, which means crowded classes and fewer learning resources for the near term.
  • The school has suffered repeat fires, including an April 2025 blaze that destroyed 11 classrooms that remain unrepaired, and community leaders are urging fixes to a broken perimeter wall, poor lighting and thin security.