SMASHED prefab walls and windows greeted pupils and teachers at Merlewood Primary last week.
Seventeen classrooms, a kitchen and an office were broken into and various items taken. Port Shepstone police are investigating a business break-in and are asking the community to come forward with any information.
“The school break-in occurred over the weekend,” said police spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Zandra Wiid. “Various items, including a microwave and stationery were stolen.”
In 2012 the Herald reported that structural defects jeopardised the health and safety of pupils and teachers at the school.
There are classrooms that are not habitable and many of the prefab classrooms have been damaged by borer infestation. To date there appears to be no significant improvement.
Outgoing governing body chairman Mirelle Archibald told the Herald they cannot keep up with the rate at which the buildings are deteriorating.
“Two grade 1 classes had to vacate the building as the ceiling were sagging and the floorboards had been broken. “The entire school building requires urgent attention. This is the reason why criminals are gaining entry to the school,” she said.
In 2012 the Hibiscus Coast Municipality’s fire and maintenance departments declared parts of the school unsafe.
“This is the fourth break-in in a matter of three months,” said principal Audrey Ryan. “In the previous incident, four air conditioning units were removed. We are extremely frustrated because of the impact it has on our children’s education, as well as the budget.
“Lots of resource material including teaching material has been stolen and vandalised. These incidents directly impact on the pupils and teachers.”
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