Special School fire: Suspect appears in court
The suspect who was fired by the contractor allegedly opened gas tanks while others were working at a special school in Atteridgeville.
Moloko Calvin Ramogwadi who allegedly opened gas tanks which caused a fire that killed two workers at Zodwa Special School has appeared at the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court.
The 34-year-old suspect is facing charges of two counts of murder, and three counts of attempted murder.
ALSO READ: MEC Maile to visit Itireleng after five children perish in a shack fire
SUSPECT WHO ALLEGEDLY CAUSED FIRE AT ATTERIDGEVILLE SPECIAL SCHOOL APPEARS IN COURT
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in Gauteng Lumka Mahanjana said Ramogwadi was hired by a contractor to build extra classrooms at Zodwa Special School. However, on 22 August, he was fired from the company.
Mahanjana said it is alleged that the following day on (23 August), Ramogwadi went back to the school, and another company employee asked why he was there, he said he was collecting his tools.
ALSO READ: Two killed, four injured in gas explosion at Tshwane special school
“It is further alleged that Ramogwadi proceeded to open gas tanks, while the other workers were still on site and a fire broke out. Two other workers died on the scene and three others were taken to hospital,” she explained.
The accused was arrested the same day after the incident and is remanded in custody.
After his brief appearance in court, the matter was postponed to 1 September 2023, for investigations in respect to bail and possible bail application.
ALSO READ: Five children killed in shack fire while parents out drinking
As previously reported by The South African, City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department spokesperson Deputy Chief Charles Mabaso said firefighters arrived on the scene to find a collapsed structure of container classrooms that was on fire. They were informed that one person was still trapped in the burning containers.
Mabaso said a badly burnt and charred body of a male person was discovered during firefighting operations, and a second body of which the gender could not be determined was later discovered as operations continued.