Syndicate “targeting schools”

Computers main loot from Gauteng schools’ break-ins

A suspected syndicate is believed to be behind a spate of break-ins at Gauteng schools, stealing computers, laptops, smart boards and tablets.

The criminals have hit at least four schools since August, stealing 118 computers, 28 tablets, eight laptops and seven smart boards, according to the Gauteng department of education.

The incidents, according to teachers at various schools, took place in the early hours of the morning.

In all the reported incidents, teachers told of how patrollers had been tied up while the suspects went straight to where the computers were locked.

The latest break-in took place on Monday at Kwadedangendlale Secondary School in Zola, Soweto, where seven smart boards were stolen.

A teacher, who asked to remain anonymous, said the suspects had gained access after breaking the padlock of the delivery gate.

“When the patroller went to check, they tied both his arms and legs and placed him in one of the classrooms.

“After the suspects had left he managed to crawl to the gate and shouted for help, getting attention of passers-by. It is clear that these people knew very well what they were doing because they left behind all the tracking devices,” the teacher said.

She said the theft was a drawback for the school.

At Tembisa High 30 computers were reported stolen.

“The criminals gained entry through the roof and went straight to disconnect the alarm system. The patroller was also tied up,” said another teacher.

“It shows these people knew their way around the school because the computers were kept in a vault. They also took six computers that were in the office,” the teacher added.

At Ikusasa Comprehensive School they stole 40 computers from the new computer lab.

Gauteng department of education spokesman Steve Mabona said hardware theft and vandalism by criminals negatively impacted teaching and learning as the devices were part of schools’ learning and support material.

“These incidents are a financial drawback as schools and the department have to replace the items and renovate the infrastructure damaged during burglary,” Mabona said.

He said altogether there were 118 computers that have been stolen from the three schools.

“There was also one laptop stolen from Ivory Park School and seven were taken from Eqinisweni Secondary School. Meanwhile, at JB Matabane secondary school, 28 tablets were stolen,” he said.

Police spokesman Captain Manyadza Ralidzivha confirmed that four cases of business robberies were opened between August and last month.