Sipho Mabena
The theft of electronic gadgets and feeding scheme groceries has reached crisis levels, according to the department of basic education.
Last week thieves broke into two schools in Valhalla and Westonaria, ripping six smart boards off classroom walls and stole dozens of computers.
This came barely a week after thieves broke into four schools in Atteridgeville in Pretoria, stealing computers and groceries meant for underprivileged pupils.
A break-in at the Dr WF Nkomo High School on Monday this week resulted in the loss of seven laptops‚ nine computers‚ and all nutrition stock.
Last week‚ the department reported thefts of computers and nutrition stock during break-ins at the Masizane Primary School‚ Thohoyandou Primary School and Flavius Mareka Secondary School.
“We are convinced that‚ there is a syndicate targeting our schools. We call upon police to conduct a thorough investigation and arrest those responsible. It is really disappointing that criminals are targeting our schools‚ which are meant to benefit communities. How can four schools in the same area suffer in the hands of criminals in this manner? Communities must defend schools‚” said MEC Panyaza Lesufi.
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