Members of the Khayelitsha/Site B Community Policing Forum are concerned about increased school break-ins in the community.
They are now appealing to residents and other community stakeholders to work with the police in order to bring the situation under control.
At least two schools, Ntwasahlobo and Vuzamanzi primaries, were reportedly burgled over the weekend.
The forum urged all community stakeholders to work together with police to curb this bad element.
Both Ntwasahlobo and Vuzamanzi primary schools were allegedly burgled last weekend.
The amount of damage to the schools could not be confirmed, but thieves left a trail of destruction with taps stolen at Ntwasahlobo.
Khayelitsha/Site B CPF secretary Phindile George described the incidents as a trend that needs to be stopped.
He said it is time for the community to reclaim their streets. “We cannot allow criminals to do as they please in our societies.
“We cannot allow people who don’t have a future to dictate to us. What the criminals are doing now are delaying the progress in our communities,” said George.
He called for the law to take its course against the perpetrators.
George said the crime is becoming a norm in Khayelitsha as whole. “The police are trying all their best to fight crime. But, some of the parents or community members are hiding the criminals when they are needed by the police which makes it difficult to fight crime,” said George.
Unathi Booi, Western Cape Education Department, assistant director for digital media and communication support, confirmed the break-in at Ntwasahlobo on Saturday 23 April.
“Taps and electrical wires were stolen, doors damaged, and a sink was stolen. The matter has been reported to the police and an investigation is underway.
“The total value of items will only be determined once the investigation has been complete,” said Booi.
She appealed to communities to assist them by reporting suspicious activities or the sale of goods obtained at schools to the police immediately.
Speaking for Khayelitsha Police Station Col Wendy Strauss said only one case was reported to the station on Sunday 24 April.
“We have only one case that is opened at the station which happened at Vuzamanzi Primary School in Site C. A case of theft is opened.
“There are no arrests as yet and the police are still investigating,” she said.
