Lake View Secondary students arrested for arson
Nine Lake View students in Ntcheu were arrested by police for torching the school laboratory room, staff room and accounts office in the morning hours of Thursday.
According to Ntcheu Public Relations Officer Hastings Chigalu, the students who are aged between 15 and 18 years old, revolted because they were not happy with the way the school was being managed.
“The students were not happy with the diet the school was providing them. In addition, their teachers were transferred to other school which in their own words compromised their learning,” he said.
The Ntcheu Police PRO told Mana in an interview Friday that the learners did not seek the approval of the authorities to demonstrate which was contrary to the laws of the country.
“Without presenting their grievances to the authorities, the students from form one to form three organized themselves and went to Njolomole Trading Centre where they purchased paraffin for their mission,” he added, saying, “They later used it to set the buildings on fire.”
Chigalu said the fire completely burnt down the said facilities and materials valued over K2.9 million.
The students are Francies Balakasi, 18, John Kachule, 17, Precious Mponyani, 16, Price Njewa,16, Pacific Gwaza,15, McMillan Zakalia,15, McDonald Nyasulu,15, and Dalitso Fredric,15.
They will appear in court soon to answer a case of arson which contravenes section 337 of the penal code.
The police is strongly condemning the action taken by students.
