WCED sees decrease in school’s burglary/vandalism over December holidays

Twenty-four schools were either burgled or vandalised, during the December 2023 holidays in the Western Cape, despite the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) providing 486 security personnel.

The WCED said 26 incidents were reported over the holiday period. This is a significant decrease compared to the same holiday period last year, when 48 incidents were reported at 42 schools

PHOTO: iStock

Items stolen or damaged ranged from gas cylinders and food to computers and cameras. Damaged property included electrical boxes, windows, ceilings, doors and security equipment.

Education MEC, David Maynier, said he is disappointed that schools once again must pick up the pieces after criminal damage and theft.

‘’It is unacceptable that funding has to be diverted from educational purposes each year to replace items that have been stolen, or repair infrastructure damaged for no reason, especially in a significantly stressed financial environment.’’

‘’Damaging and stealing from schools sabotages our children’s futures, and we appeal to the public to come forward if they notice anyone attempting to sell goods that have been stolen from our schools. Someone, somewhere knows these perpetrators, and we appeal to them to do the right thing so that our schools cease to be a target of crime,’’ added Maynier.

The MEC urged the public to report any suspicious activity in the vicinity of schools to the South African Police Services (SAPS) or the Safe Schools hotline (0800 45 46 47).

‘’[This] can make all the difference in apprehending the perpetrators and recovering stolen property. Help us to protect our schools and the future of our learners in the Western Cape!’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape Education MEC.

Done By: Bush Radio News reporter