Schools in the Western Cape’s Metro Central District, Eden and Central Karoo areas have been targeted by vandals and thieves. In a statement, the provincial Department of Education said 57 such cases have been reported in the province since lockdown first commenced on March 26.
According to Bronagh Hammond, who is a spokesperson for the Department, stolen items include computer equipment, electricity cables, fencing, security gates and gardening tools. The total cost of the damages are yet to be determined.
“The department would like to thank community members who have reported suspicious behaviour in and around our schools,” said Hammond. “We would also like to appeal to all communities to please assist us further by reporting suspicious activity or the sale of goods obtained at schools.”
According to Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga, 183 schools have been vandalised countrywide since lockdown commenced.
“Let us work together to safeguard the future of our children by exposing these criminal elements,” she said.
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