Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Namibian Police have confirmed that it is not investigating the fire incident that destroyed a boys’ hostel block at Ruacana High School on 30 March 2025.
“We are aware of the fire incident; however, the police are not involved in investigating the matter at this stage,” said Deputy Commissioner Zachariah Amakali, head of investigations in the Omusati Region.
The fire, which wiped out one of the boys’ hostel blocks, has left 52 Grade 10 learners without textbooks, school uniforms, shoes, bedding, and other personal belongings.
Immanuel Angula, the school’s hostel superintendent, explained that the fire has put the students in a challenging situation.
“The kids are affected because four rooms from that hostel block burnt, and the kids lost their clothing and school books. We relocated these learners to other rooms, and that’s a challenge to the school already, and the learners are affected,” Angula said.
He added that the school suspects an electrical fault as a possible cause, although they have not yet received a proper assessment of what actually transpired.
“Some of the parents managed to buy what they were able to buy, but those are few who managed to buy due to the economic situation,” Angula explained.
In a public notice, the school administration outlined the extent of the damage, stating:
“The cause of the fire is still unknown and investigations by the relevant authorities into the matter have commenced. 52 Grade 10 learners are affected. They lost their textbooks, summary books, stationery, school uniforms, clothes, shoes, blankets, mattresses, cosmetics, etc. As a result of this devastating event, we are reaching out to the public for support.”
The school has requested donations of cash, clothing, bedding, and other essential items to help the affected students recover and continue their education without disruption.
Last January, at Uukwiiyongwe Combined School in the Oshana Region, two separate fires broke out in a short timeframe.
The first fire destroyed furniture and textbooks, while the following day, another fire destroyed a storeroom filled with textbooks, pots, wheelbarrows, and other items.
