burning

The Waigani Committal Court was told the accused was taken in for his record of interview today with police. He was to appear in court today.

The 20-year-old from Goilala was arrested and charged with arson.

It is alleged the grade 12 student set alight a double-storey classroom on Friday 10 August after being disciplined.

More than 200 students lost their homerooms to the fire.

(Loop filepic of the burnt building)

Kilakila secondary has a population of over 1,000 students.

It is one of the oldest schools in the city which saw some classrooms rehabilitated in the past two years at a cost of K1 million, by the office of the Moresby South MP and NCD Governor.

One of those classrooms, a double-storey building, was razed last Friday afternoon, allegedly by a student who was not happy about being disciplined.

Badili Police Station Commander, Bill Werake, said the student (name withheld) was picked up on Tuesday afternoon while he was in class.

“There can be no excuse for such a behaviour by students or anyone and I will ensure those responsible will be investigated and face the full force of the law,” Minister Maru said.

The Minister is calling a Special Meeting of the Yangoru-Saussia District Development Authority to provide a report on the school. He has requested Yangoru-Saussia DDA CEO, Fantson Yaninen, to provide this report. The Minister wants to get down to the bottom of the reasons behind the burning of the dormitory.