Hanover Park school flooded after burglars stole copper fittings and water pipes

Cleanup operations are underway at a Hanover Park High School, after burglars stole copper fittings and water pipes on Wednesday night, leaving the school flooded.

COURTESY: Chrystal High School 

In a statement, Crystal High School principal Dino Abrahams, said the school suffered major damages to the entire school building, classrooms and teaching materials, that it had to send learners home on Thursday.

‘’It is with a heavy heart that we have to report on vandalism that has taken place last night [Wednesday]. The extent of the damage was so severe we could not commence normal schooling today [Thursday] and had to send our learners home.’’

“It is heartbreaking that it is our own community breaking down our school, our second home, our place of learning,” added Abrahams.

PICTURE: Letter issued to parents informing them of the vandalism at the school

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said cleanup operations are underway, adding that alternative arrangements has been made for classes to resume.

‘’Sadly, a second school day has been disrupted at Crystal High School due to burglary and vandalism incident. On Wednesday, perpetrators stole copper fitting and water pipes which resulted in flooding damaging the first floor of classrooms,’’ said Bronagh Hammond, WCED spokesperson.

‘’A clean-up operations is underway and should be concluded today [Friday]. The school was closed yesterday [Thursday], with special arrangement being made today [Friday] for the Grade 12 learners, so they can continue learning. Other grades are being accommodated in a school next door,’’ she added.

Done By: Mitchum George