Since the commencement of the lockdown in South Africa, several schools have fallen victim to theft by criminals, the basic education department said on Sunday.
At least 55 schools across Gauteng have been robbed of their learning materials and food items.
The latest break-ins occurred between April 9-11 — affecting 15 schools.
These are: Harmony Primary, Lenasia; Eersterust Secondary, Eersterust; Matseke Primary, Atteridgville; Jordan Secondary, Evaton; Jabulani Technical, Soweto; Thomas Nhlapho Primary, Meyerton; Moqhaka Secondary School, Sebokeng; Kwa-Ntsikana Secondary School, Soweto; Klipvalley Primary School, Soweto; Lufhereng Secondary, Soweto; Mbuyisa Makhubu Primary School. Soweto; Ivory Park Secondary, Ivory Park; Mahube Valley Primary, Mahube Valley; Sehopotso Secondary, Sebokeng; and Princess Primary, Roodepoort.
Valuable equipment and school nutrition groceries were stolen during the burglaries, the education department said.
“It seems that these criminals are not bothered and they don’t have a sense of the damage they are causing to the future of our children and our country, because without education, we are doomed, the future is bleak,” said Lesufi.
“Indeed the coarse behavior of these criminals is annoying and they must be apprehended and face the law,” said the MEC.