Groutville High School has suffered a devastating blow with the theft of most of its computers.

Security guards were tied up and school computers stolen by a gang of criminals in the early hours on Monday.

The thieves broke through a computer lab’s wall and stole 50 laptops, four desktop computers and a projector.

School principal Simphiwe Gumede confirmed the incident, saying the fence at the back of the school had been breached.

“This left about 90 computer applications technology pupils in grades 10 and 11 affected. We cannot replace the equipment as the school is yet to receive full funding,” said Gumede.

A similar incident occurred in April 2021. Guards were handcuffed and assaulted by a group of five men and two women, who demanded the school keys.

They stole equipment valued at about R300 000, including 10 computers, four laptops, a projector, and four televisions.

They also stole cellphones belonging to school pupils, as well as money from the safe.

The Courier reported on a spate of break-ins at schools along the North Coast last year. At least six schools were broken into.

Several suspects were arrested after being found in possession of laptops and computers suspected to be stolen from the schools.

Among the targeted schools were Tshelenkosi Secondary School, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Secondary School, Melville Primary School and Lloyd Primary School.

The school is appealing for donations to replace the stolen computers. Gumede can be contacted at 083 479 8165.

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