A man accused of causing a fire at a school appeared in court for double murder. Moloko Calvin Ramogwadi (34) appeared at the Atteridgeville Magistrates Court outside Tshwane yesterday. NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said that Ramogwadi is facing two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder. 

According to Mahanjana, Ramogwadi was hired by a company contracted to build extra mobile classrooms at Zodwa Special School which caters to mentally and physically challenged children. However, on 22 August 2023, he was fired from the company. It is alleged that the following day on 23 August 2023, Ramogwadi went back to the school and another company employee asked why he was there, he said he was there to collect his tools. It is further alleged that Ramogwadi proceeded to open gas tanks while the other workers were still on-site and it exploded.

Ramogwadi's former colleagues Paballo Lefata and Lebo Malepe died in the fire while three workers at the school, Neo Mamogale, Malaika Ngwetjana, and Rosy Moeng sustained serious burn wounds and were taken to hospital. Mahanjana said the accused was arrested the same day, after the incident. "After his brief appearance in court, the matter was postponed to 01 September 2023, for investigation and possible bail application," she said. He is remanded in custody.