Burglars burn down daycare
A PRESCHOOL Masibulele Daycare Centre in Mdantsane’s NU1 , went up in flames two weeks ago after thieves broke into the centre.
The school, that accommodates about 80 pupils from the ages of one to five, was made of asbestos and zinc material.
The suspects have not yet been caught as police are still investigating.
The Daily Dispatch reported (“Daycare left gutted after burglary”, May 8) that staff at the crèche were left with no other choice but to turn the children away last Monday.
When the Dispatch arrived at the scene, parents, community members and a group of children in their uniforms were sitting outside.
The entire structure was completely burnt down, except for the front door still in its door frame and the kitchen, which was positioned a few metres away.
Owner of the centre, Thantaswa Bashman, said the building will cost approximately R500 000 to rebuild including furnishing.
“We do not have anything now, everything is gone including the mattresses, toys, tables and chairs and important documents. We are using a the kitchen and the church building next to us is assisting, but it is not safe for the children,” Bashman said.
Bashman said they have had about seven burglaries where thieves have stolen the children’s toys, mattresses and food from the nutrition programme. Bashman is appealing to the community to assist with funds needed to build another facility for the pupils, one that would be safer and have tight security.
“We are hoping to get a proper fence that secures our premises, because it is easy for the thieves to break into our centre. We also would like proper toilets, as the pupils don’t have clean, hygienic toilets.
“We do not have enough day care centres for our children. It is heartbreaking that there are people who want to ruin such for the young children who are in need of education. We are completely shattered by this,” Bashman said.