Ministry of education has temporarily closed Robert Blake Secondary School in Dowa District following students’ riot which led to burning of some of the school infrastructure on Friday.

Deputy Minister of Education Nancy Chaola Mdooko issued the order on Friday afternoon after she inspected the damage.

She said: “Looking at the extent of damage the learners have caused, I direct the immediate closure of the school to allow authorities to take stock and teachers to get reorganised.

“I must also emphasise that the culprits should be taken to book.”

Mdooko directed authorities to ensure that the school is reopened within two weeks to let in  Form One students who she said are victims of unruly behaviour of their seniors.

Part of the damaged property

Meanwhile, students who were stranded have been supported with  money for transport to their respective homes.

The students burned a classroom block, library and science laboratory.

In an interview, Dowa district director of education, youth and sports Christopher Kumikundi condemned the students’ conduct, saying it is detrimental to the provision of quality education.

Dowa Police Station spokesperson Alice Sitima said no arrests have been made, but investigations are underway.

The closure comes two weeks after schools opened for the 2023/24 academic year.

In 2019, the ministry also closed Lunzu Secondary School in Blantyre after angry students torched the school’s recreation hall and a classroom.

Again in 2019, students burned an administration block at Thyolo Secondary School in frustration of alleged mismanagement at the institution.

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