Primary school in eMbalenhle buckles under spade of burglaries and theft
Principal of Vukuzithathe Primary School in Ext 14 says the school is constantly targeted.
The leadership of Vukuzithathe Primary School in Ext 14, eMbalenhle, has voiced alarm over persistent burglaries and theft of school assets.
In the most recent incident, perpetrators entered the administrative offices through the roof on the night of February 7 and stole items currently being inventoried by the school.
Principal Nkululeko Nzekeni stated that the school has been burgled several times throughout the year, resulting in the loss of valuable property.
“Our school is constantly targeted. Last year, all the pots to cook meals for learners were stolen. We had to compromise our budget to replace them.
“We know those pots were sold within the community, which is painful because the learners who depend on those meals are the same children from this community,” said Nzekeni.
Thieves even stole part of the palisade fence, leaving the school exposed and vulnerable.
“We had to use money we don’t have to replace the fencing, as we are concerned about the school’s safety,” he said.
Nzekeni appealed to the community to help safeguard the school and to not purchase stolen goods, adding that they would appreciate it if local businesses would assist with installing surveillance cameras.
“We are tired of these criminals. They even stole electricity cables, and our computer lab has had no power since last year.
“If the community does not provide support, the school may eventually be left with insufficient resources to support its children’s education. Cameras would help us and the police identify and apprehend them,” he said.
Nzekeni confirmed that eMbalenhle SAPS officers were at the scene of the latest break-in and had opened a burglary case.
Anyone willing to assist with the camera installation can call Nzekeni on 082 515 9022.
