21 break-ins and vandalism at schools during lockdown

SEDIBENG.-  Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi is not a happy many, as a matter of fact he is livid that about 21 schools, so far, have been burgled and vandalized during the 21-day Lockdown period.

Criminals are taking advantage of the country’s lockdown situation and have resorted to robbing and vandalizing schools in the province. The Gauteng Department of Education said that criminals took advantage of the lock-down to break-in and vandalize eighteen (18) schools in Gauteng.

The schools are:

1. Mofolo Primary School in Evaton;
2. Tsokodibane Primary School in Evaton;
3. Beverly High School in Evaton;
4. Katleho Impumelo Primary School in Sebokeng
5. Dinokaneng Secondary School in Evaton;
6. Phuthanang Primary School in Soshanguve
7. Lotus Gardens Secondary School in Lotus Gardens
8. Makhosini Secondary School in Soshanguve
9. Nonto Primary School in Soweto
10. Isipho Primary School in Soweto
11. Bervelly Primary School in Sebokeng
12. Ikokobetse Primary School in Bophelong
13. Atlehang Primary School in Mabopane
14. Pholosho Primary School in Tsakane
15. Caiphus Nyoka Secondary in Etwatwa
16. Tlakula Secondary School in KwaThema
17. Tembisa High School in Tembisa
18. Leondale Secondary School in Leondale

“Valuable equipment and school nutrition groceries were stolen during the burglaries. It must be emphasized that, this will have a huge impact and affect proper functioning of schools. Fire erupted at three (3) schools in Tshwane because of suspected premeditated arson.

The following three (3) schools were destroyed by fire:

• Amogelang Secondary School in Soshanguve;
• Lethabong Secondary School in Soshanguve; and
• Phuthanang Primary school in Soshanguve

Valuable equipment and school nutrition groceries were stolen during these burglaries.

“This is appalling and unbelievable, that we are actually on day 12 of the Lockdown, one ponders on how the picture will look like after this period. The members of the community are encouraged to continue report to the Police. Indeed we cannot allow this barbarism to continue rob our children their future.” said MEC Lesufi.

For more information, contact the Gauteng Department of Education’s Spokesperson, Steve Mabona on 072 574 3860.