Eastvale residents have expressed their distress over continued criminal activity in the area. The Springs Advertiser has reported on the matter extensively, highlighting concerns from residents living behind Laerskool Morester.

They have complained that the abandoned classrooms have escalated criminal activity, leaving them vulnerable and feeling uneasy.

The 14 makeshift classrooms, which were erected in 2022, accommodated learners while new classrooms were being constructed.

The classrooms are now vacant and in a state of neglect, with broken windows and stolen doors.

“Since these containers have been placed here, we can’t sleep at night. There is constant criminal activity, and we sometimes hear gunshots nearby,” said a resident, who asked not to be named.

Residents also raised concerns about the overgrown grass on the school premises, which they say criminals take advantage of.

Another resident said, “The criminals go on that side of the field, they break into the classrooms and then cause trouble here at night. The grass was almost as tall as the containers, but it was cut on March 11, much to our surprise, as it had been months since it was last cut.”

The resident added that groups of boys frequently come to the field and loiter there.

“We caught a guy who was trying to steal. We called the police. Not even four months later, they came again. The grass is too long, so criminals hide there and take advantage, but when we report it, nothing is done,” they said.

The Department of Education last year told this publication that it would soon remove and relocate the classes.

A follow-up comment was requested from the department on March 25, but none was received at the time of publication.