Wave of preschool robberies sparks fear in Namakgale

PHALABORWA – Business robberies appear to be a rising trend in Namakgale, with local preschools increasingly being targeted. Thus far, two preschools have reported break-ins, leaving business owners frustrated and questioning police response.

One of the victims, Olivia Chiloane, owner of Kiwi Kids Day and After Care Centre, said her school was broken into on Tuesday, July 22. Groceries worth approximately R4 000, a new electric kettle, a WiFi router with a SIM card, and a speaker were stolen. The perpetrators also attempted to remove a prepaid electricity box.

Chiloane alleged that despite opening a case at Namakgale Police Station immediately after the incident, officers failed to take fingerprints on the day of the crime.

“They only came after two days. There was no way we could avoid touching the broken door because our business had to continue. Parents were still bringing their children,” she said.

She further claimed that officers told her the fingerprint specialist was in Hoedspruit at the time, which delayed evidence collection.

“Until this day, we do not know what is happening with our case. No one is updating us. The police have failed us,” Chiloane said.

She added that the incident has placed a financial burden on the preschool. “We had just bought the groceries, and now we have to use another budget. After the police failed us, we also had to burglarproofs all the doors, which is another expense. We are only trying to better the future of children, but someone wants to destroy that by stealing from us,” she said.

Chiloane also stated that she suspects the burglars used a cold chisel to force open the door.

“The handle was not broken, but the door could not close afterwards. If the police were patrolling at night, such things would not be happening. The problem is that the police are not taking action on our cases, so the perpetrators will continue to target us,” she continued.

Meanwhile, Garden of Eden Day Care Centre in Makhushane Camp was also robbed twice in one week.

Principal Pretty Nyathi said the first break-in occurred on Wednesday, August 13, when suspects broke into the premises, cut electrical cables, removed cables from the main switch, and burned other cables to obtain copper. “They even used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire they caused,” she said.

The suspects allegedly stole food, including Viennas and Russians, as well as blankets.

During a second break-in on Saturday, August 16, they returned to steal the remaining cables, two speakers, and a trunk containing about R1 100 in cash.

Nyathi said the school is now without electricity due to the stolen cables.

“Our meat is rotting,” she said.

She confirmed that a case was opened, and fingerprints were taken, but they are still awaiting feedback from the police.

Both preschools have pleaded with the community to assist with donations to help them recover from the losses.

At the time of publication, the provincial police had not issued an official response to the allegations.