On Friday (10/4), criminals bombed strong room doors and stole 26 laptops from two schools in Disaneng Village near Mahikeng. Moteu Makabanyane and Ipelegeng Batlharo Primary Schools suffered significant damage during the incidents.

Staff arriving at both schools on Friday morning reportedly discovered the strong rooms within the principals’ offices had been breached. The doors were blown off using heavy explosives, leaving the offices in ruins.

At Moteu Makabanyane School, 14 laptops were stolen, while 12 were taken from Ipelegeng Batlharo. These devices played a crucial role in teaching and learning. North West Education spokesperson, Vuyo Mantshule, confirmed the laptops were used by teachers for lesson preparation, research, and classroom instruction.

The schools in North West were vandalised. Photo supplied        

Moteu Makabanyane School principal Joel Maleka expressed deep frustration and concern over the incident and its impact on learners. “I’m extremely disappointed by the act of destroying our school and stealing laptops that benefit our learners. Just the previous day, we were using them without any suspicion that they would be stolen.

“Now the entire office is in disarray after explosives were used to demolish the walls of our strong room, including the principal’s office. We do not know how we will replace these laptops, and our learners are going to suffer.”

Education MEC Viola Motsumi, strongly condemned the attacks, warning such incidents are becoming increasingly frequent and alarming. “The situation is getting out of control. Criminals are now targeting schools to further their interests.

“Just recently, there was an incident where a classroom was set alight at FM Ramaboa Technical School, and now we are faced with the theft of computers. All these incidents are taking place within the Ngaka Modiri Molema district.”

Future of children

“This is an act of self-destruction. We are destroying the little that the government has provided for us. More importantly, we are destroying the future of our own children. A nation that does not educate its children is doomed.

“I am appealing to all communities in this province to remain vigilant against illegal activities taking place in our schools. They must ensure such acts are reported to the nearest police stations,” said Motsumi.

Concerns over school safety are not new. Fedsas deputy CEO Juané van der Merwe-Mocke recently highlighted the urgent need for stronger preventative measures, particularly in rural areas where schools are more vulnerable.

“The law enforcement must strengthen prevention, not just respond after damages have occurred. Obviously, that means better security measures that must be put in place and closer cooperation with local police.

“Also, practical risk management must be put in place with the support of the provincial education department, and finally, communities must take ownership of their schools.”

Cases of theft of computers and malicious damage to property have been opened with the police in relation to both incidents, as investigations continue, said Mantshule.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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