The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has urged the public to report any suspicious activity in and around schools in the province.
The plea comes after 34 schools were affected by vandalism over the December school holiday. Kerry Mauchline, who is the spokesperson for the provincial Education Minister Debbie Schäfer, said there have been 41 incidents of burglary and vandalism that have been reported by schools.
According to Mauchline, the majority of the incidents were minor with just two major incidents being reported.
“38 minor incidents were reported, as well as one with negligible damage. This is a significant decrease in comparison to the 59 incidents reported during the December 2020/January 2021 holidays but nonetheless remains a serious concern,” Mauchline indicates.
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Mauchline went on to say that items stolen includes IT and audio-visual equipment, electrical cables and fixtures, fencing, water pipes, gas tanks, stationery, kitchen equipment, COVID-19 supplies, bicycles, as well as workshop tools.
“There were also incidents of vandalism, particularly the smashing of windows, as well as damage to school buildings during burglaries.
“The total cost of repairs and replacing stolen property is still being calculated, and will add a further financial burden that neither the Department nor our schools can afford,” Mauchline expressed.
In the meantime, the WCED provided holiday security to 477 schools over the December/January holiday, however, even security guards and cameras did not thwart determined criminals.
“Please do not underestimate your ability to assist the police to interrupt, investigate and apprehend the perpetrators of these criminal actions by being the eyes and ears on the ground. Even the smallest piece of information can be key,” Mauchline adds.
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