Pupils and staff at Crystal High School in Hanover Park had a rough start to the new term yesterday when they walked into a vandalised classroom, with seven computers stolen.
According to the principal, who did not want to be named, there was a break-in at the school in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“They broke the security gate and the back door and proceeded to the computer lab,” he says.
“They took seven computers and caused extensive damages to the entrances.”
Expressing his disappointment, he said the loss was disheartening as it would affect children in the community.
“Now our teaching and learning is affected, we cannot teach the subject.
“We only had 20 computers, how are we going to teach our learners with the remainder?
“This is the first time we’re having a break-in at the school and I don’t understand how a community can steal from a facility that benefits their own children. Where are they going to get an education?”
The palie says the staff had a busy first day getting back to class after the lockdown and then having to deal with police as well.
Police spokesman, Captain FC Van Wyk, did not comment and referred enquiries to the WCED.
Unathi Booi, Western Cape Education Department spokesperson, says: “The total value of items stolen and damaged is still to be determined. The matter has been reported to SAPS and an investigation is underway.
“We appeal to all communities to please assist us by reporting suspicious activity or the sale of goods obtained at schools to SAPS immediately.”
nomzamo.yuku@inl.co.za