While South Africans celebrated Mandela Day, on Monday 18 July, two schools in Lwandle, were being broken into by thieves.
Teachers at Christmas Tinto and Nomzamo primary schools were shocked to find a range of items missing at the school on Tuesday morning 19 July.
At Christmas Tinto thieves stole 15 steel gutters, six aluminium windows, cut off cables and as a result seven classrooms are without electricity.
They also cut off alarm cables and stole a fence.
At Nomzamo they stole a pavement and a school fence.
Western Cape Education Department Director of Communication Bronagh Hammond said the estimated cost of damage at Tinto is R50 000.
She said Nomzamo has not reported its own damage.
Christmas Tinto principal Mphicothi Qantolo told City Vision they discovered this on the first day of the term.
“This is shocking. We really don’t know what is happening because this affects the same children of this community,” he said.
Lwandle police spokesperson Sgt Mthokozisi Gama said police detectives are seeking public assistance to locate suspects involved in the two burglaries.
“On Tuesday 19 July, two primary schools, Christmas Tinto and Nomzamo, reported burglary cases after both schools were broken into and some property was taken. Both incidents occurred on the same night of 18 July,” he said.
Gama said cases of business burglary were opened.
Police request anyone who might have information that can assist in the investigation or know the whereabouts of the suspects to contact Lwandle police detectives on 021 845 2060 or dial 08600 1011. Witnesses can remain anonymous.
Police request the community to work with the them by being the eyes and ears of the schools and to protect buildings against any vandalism and theft.
Gama said police further appeal to the community not to buy stolen property from anyone as such act promotes crime in this area.
Police warned that anyone found with stolen property can be arrested and prosecuted.
