The 12-year-old victim of a fire was discharged from hospital last Friday and received a warm welcome in her school on Monday, after spending nearly five months at Siloam Hospital.

Tebogo Mpai sustained extreme burn wounds over most areas of her body when her aunt's five-room house was allegedly set alight at Tshituni-tsha-fhasi in Nzhelele, on 23 March at about 04:00. “I am happy to be out of the hospital bed and am enjoying the fresh air here outside,” said young Tebogo. "It was painful being in hospital because each day I had to think about school, my family and my friends."

Tshiluwi Primary School's principal, Ms Doris Rankhododo, said that the school was giving Tebogo a lot of support, so she could feel at home. “We have made a special prayer for her,” she said. “We told all other learners and teachers to give her moral support.”

She added that the learners were informed never to have a negative attitude towards her because of her appearance or burns. “She's still the same Tebogo, with the same mind,” said the principal.

Tebogo, a Grade 7 pupil at the school, is now busy writing her third-term exams. The school had visited her during her stay in hospital and provided her with tutorial matter and guidance on her studies, so that once she was out of hospital, she might adjust to her studies quickly. “The school also helps her with transport to and from school,” said Rankhododo.

Tebogo's aunt, Ms Tshifhiwa Sebola (29), thanked the school for the moral support. “The school also bought her a new uniform, and as a family we appreciate their efforts,” said Sebola.

Although Tebogo is out of the hospital bed and back at school, she is still in pain and walks with great difficulty. “I will get well and heal completely as days go on,” she said confidently.

A case of arson was opened at the Mphephu police station, following the incident in March, but no suspect has been identified or arrested at this stage.

There were five family members when the house burnt on the night of the incident. All the others managed to rush out of the burning house, but Tebogo was not that lucky. She was caught in the gutting fire before she could be rescued.

Meanwhile, Sebola still suspects that her jealous ex-lover had set her house alight. "I had previously sought a protection order against him, but he would use force to enter my house," she said. "I am not happy about the police's failure to question the person whose name I supplied."