Angry pupils from Belhar High School protested on Friday after skurke burgled and trashed their arts classroom for the eighth time in just five months, causing nearly R500 000 in damages.
After months of persistent burglaries, pupils arrived at school on Thursday morning to find the door kicked in and their equipment vandalised.
A 36-year-old mother, who asked not to be named to protect her daughter, says the children have been left despondent and angry.
“This has been going on for months now as the skelms just break through the roof or kick down doors to access the classroom.
“I have a daughter who is in Grade 10 at the school and each time she comes home upset because again there was a burglary.
“On Thursday morning they found that the skelms kicked down the door and stole instruments and other supplies but what is more shocking is that when the teachers got there, it was found that the skelms were still on the school property.
“What if they came into contact with the children? They could have been in danger and all this happens because there is not even a fence around the school.”
“There are questions around what is being done to safeguard the school. After the first burglary, they should have done something.
“They (children) protested to show the WCED (Western Cape Education Department) that they are serious. This is the place where they practise art, drama and music and there is already so little for our children.”
WCED spokesperson Unathi Booi,confirms the school has had eight break-ins in this year, which have all been reported to SAPS.
“Items that have been stolen include air conditioners and electrical plugs. Electrical wires have also been cut,” he says.
“Learners’ projects and assignments have also been burnt and destroyed. The estimated cost of stolen items and damage is approximately R500 000.
“The school has done the necessary repairs and the WCED has assisted in replacing and fixing damaged and stolen goods.
“The Provincial Department of Public Works has also repaired damage to the school roof and electrical supplies.”
Booi says the school has an alarm system and 24-hour security in place, but appealed to the community to assist us by reporting suspicious activity or the sale of goods obtained at schools to SAPS.
monique.duval@inl.co.za