The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that it is aware of ongoing looting and vandalism at General Smuts High School in Vereeniging, reports the Sedibeng Ster.

Onwabile Lubhelwana, spokesperson for the Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, saidthat the department is aware of the theft at the school’s boarding facilities, which has occurred over a long period due to several factors.

This follows a report by Sedibeng Ster about a recent incident in the early hours of October 8, in which three thieves escaped, and one suspect was caught after attempting to steal corrugated iron from the school.

Staff member, Lucas Mazibuko, recently explained that security guards called him early in the morning to report people trying to steal the school’s corrugated iron.

He rushed to the scene and found that four men had climbed over a back wall to enter the premises.

When they realised they were trapped, the suspects tried to run away.

Three managed to escape, but with help from patrolling security guards, one suspect from Lesotho was caught and handed over to the police who arrived shortly after.

Mazibuko added that a toy gun was found at the scene, and the suspect was taken to Vereeniging SAPS for further investigation.

Vereeniging SAPS spokesperson Constable Relebohile Mohapeloa confirmed the incident.

Meanwhile, Lubhelwana said that the problem was made worse by repeated criminal acts targeting the empty hostels.

“We can confirm that law enforcement has investigated multiple incidents, with several arrests effected, whilst other investigations have been administratively closed, pending new leads. Through joint efforts with law enforcement agencies and communities, there has been a significant improvement in police visibility, resulting in successful interventions.”

General Smuts High School previously operated as both a boarding and day school. Today it functions only as a day school, and its old hostels now stand in ruins after thieves stripped them of valuable materials like electrical wiring, copper cables, corrugated iron, and window and door frames.

Criminals are now targeting the school’s main buildings.

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