Staff Reporter
Criminals used explosives to blow open strong rooms at two primary schools in Disaneng village near Mafikeng and steal 26 laptops.
The North West Department of Education said on Tuesday that criminals targeted Moteu Makabanyane Primary School and Ipelegeng Batlharo Primary School on the morning of 10 April, when staff discovered that strong rooms in the principals’ offices had been broken into and the doors blown off using heavy explosives.
At Moteu Makabanyane Primary School, 14 laptops were stolen, while 12 were taken from Ipelegeng Batlharo Primary School, the department said.
It said that the devices were used by teachers at both schools for lesson preparation, research, and teaching.
Moteu Makabanyane Primary School principal Joel Maleka said the attack had left the school reeling.
“I am extremely disappointed by the act of destroying our school and stealing laptops that benefit our learners. Just the previous day, we were using them without any suspicion that they would be stolen.
“Now the entire office is in disarray after explosives were used to demolish the walls of our strong room, including the principal’s office. We do not know how we will replace these laptops, and our learners are going to suffer,” said Maleka.
North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi condemned the theft and destruction, saying schools in the province were increasingly being targeted by criminals.
“The situation is getting out of control. It is clear that criminals are now targeting schools to further their interests. Just recently, there was an incident where a classroom was set alight at FM Ramaboa Technical School and now we are faced with the theft of computers. All these incidents are taking place within the Ngaka Modiri Molema District.
“This is an act of self-destruction. We are destroying the little that the government has provided for us. More importantly, we are destroying the future of our own children.
“A nation that does not educate its children is doomed. I am appealing to all communities in this province to remain vigilant against illegal activities taking place in our schools. They must ensure that such acts are reported to the nearest police stations. Furthermore, the public must refrain from buying stolen goods and instead report such criminal activities to the police,” said Motsumi.
The department said cases of theft of computers and malicious damage to property had been opened with the South African Police Service at both schools.
INSIDE EDUCATION
