The Gauteng Department of Education has expressed concern about a spate of robberies that were experienced in schools especially in Atteridgeville, Tshwane.
During these robberies criminals stole computers and National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) stock.
“We strongly condemn these criminal acts which seek to undermine our effort to provide food to our children at school, it is paramount noting that, most of learners at the said schools are from disadvantaged communities and as such we must provide food to them every day,” Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said in a statement on Friday.
MEC Lesufi has urged community members to avail any information that might assist the police to apprehend culprits.
“Our schools cannot afford to be a haven for criminals, this cannot be tolerated,” he said.
It is alleged that, in the early hours of Friday, criminals forcefully gained entry at Masizane Primary School, tied up the security guard, broke into the school admin block, and stole about seven computers, two tablets, and all nutrition stock at the said school.
“It is unfortunate that, in the very same morning, 23 March 2018, Thohoyandou Primary School was also hit by the robbers and they also looted four computers and all NSNP stock.
“We strongly believe that, there is a syndicate operating in the area, because these activities started on Tuesday, 20 March 2018, where Flavius Mareka Secondary School was broken into and the criminals made off with the entire NSNP stock,” the provincial department said. - SAnews.gov.za
