Festive season target on schools by criminals rears its ugly head

DENNILTON – With schooling activities have recently stopped after learners finished writing their examinations, criminals are taking advantage of the situation to conduct their evil deeds at schools.

The problem dates back year ago when school would be found vandalized or broken into when they reopened.

Criminals target school equipment, furniture and meals meant for feeding scheme benefiting the need learners.

There have been a number of incidents in Sekhukhune district where equipment, furniture and meals were stolen when schools were on recess.

The latest incident was a school in Dennilton outside Groblersdal where criminals broke the wall of a block at the school and stole a number of items.

The papers continued attempt to get a statement from both Dennilton police and Limpopo Provincial Police bore no fruits since they were sent a query on the matter on Tuesday.

When the paper contacted the Limpopo Department of Education on such incidents on Tuesday after, Tidimalo Cheune, Limpopo Department of Education Spokesperson, said they were getting very worried about the apparent increase in the number of school burglaries that were being reported.

Chuene said they strongly believed condemned the criminal act and pleaded with members of the community to help in apprehending the criminals by cooperating with the police during investigations.

She added that people should also not fall victim to buying stolen goods as that was equally a criminal offense.

“Our Security and Risk Management Directorate will continue to work with law enforcement authorities at provincial level in curbing these incidents. Our schools are reminded to be vigilant during this period and make sure that valuable are safely stored away, as they prepare to close schools for the festive season.” concluded Chuene.