In 2022, Alvin Erasmus broke into the Alpha Primary School and stole various food and sporting items to the value of R20 000.

On Friday 19 May 2023, the De Aar Magistrate's Court sentenced him to ten years imprisonment. 

According to the National Prosecuting Authority's provincial spokesperson, Mojalefa  Senokoatsane, Erasmus pleaded guilty to the charge after evidence in the docket linked him to fingerprints at the crime scene.

Senokoatsane said in his plea explanation, Erasmus told the court he was not alone but did not disclose names.

"The matter was reported to the police and the accused was arrested. He pleaded guilty to the charge after evidence in the docket linked him to fingerprints at the crime scene."

According to Senokoatsane the state prosecutor Adv. Mike Munnik, in aggravation of sentence, expressed concern with how frequently these types of crimes are committed and that a clear message needed to be sent by the court that such behaviour will not go unpunished. He said Munnik further argued that direct imprisonment was the only suitable punishment in these types of cases.

"In sentencing, the magistrate expressed concern with how frequent burglaries at schools are occurring lately and that this cannot be condoned. The crime for which the accused was found guilty is a serious and prevalent offense in the district of De Aar, and not only did he steal from the school but also from the community as the school was for public service. The court further noted that the accused plea was not an indication of remorse but because the prosecution had a strong case that left him without any other choice but to plead guilty to the charge.

"The court found that the community had a direct interest in these types of sentencing and that a clear message needed to be sent that the communities could trust the justice system. The accused was sentenced to 10 years direct imprisonment," Senokoatsane added.

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