Teens jailed after school arson destroys vital resources

An Mpumalanga court has handed down a detention centre sentence to three teenagers for arson after they torched a school office, destroying R1 million worth of property and resources. The KwaMhlanga Regional Court sentenced three juveniles from Moloto to 12 months’ detention in a youth care centre following their conviction for arson. The three teens pleaded guilty to the charges and were convicted.

The accused broke into Peter Mokaba Primary School in the early hours of 8 February 2025 with the intention of stealing computers. “The fire spread rapidly, causing extensive damage exceeding R1 million, including offices, furniture and essential school resources,” she said. “Video footage captured their actions, leading to their subsequent arrest.” The Mpumalangadepartment of education said in February 2025that critical items such as furniture, computers, surveillance cameras and food supplies for pupils were damaged in the fire.

According to the NPA, 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. During pre-sentence reports, state prosecutor Bianca Harmse revealed the juveniles’ 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,” Nyuswa said. The NPA stressed its commitment to prosecuting crimes involving juveniles with the seriousness they deserve, while upholding the principles of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008.