The 53-year-old Moto Joshua Motlhabane, the Headman of Tlhakajeng Section in Kraaipan village, was remanded in custody until Friday, 17 May 2019 upon brief appearance before the Atamelang Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 10 May 2019 on charges of arson and reckless and / or negligent driving.
Motlhabane’s arrest and court appearance stems from an incident in which he and unidentified suspects allegedly pelted Tlhakajeng Primary School with stones and set it alight on Friday, 3 May 2019. It is alleged that the accused and unconfirmed number of community members entered the school premises at about 10:00.
They allegedly ordered the principal to instruct learners to leave their classrooms before stoning and setting alight the school. According to information received, the accused then left the school premises with his vehicle which overturned apparently due to reckless and negligent driving. He was admitted to hospital due to injuries he sustained.
The fire was extinguished by the Fire and Emergency Services. An extensive damage was caused to the school building, furniture and equipment. At the time of the incident, the school was designated to be a voting station.
