The Free State Department of Education reports that over R8.6 million worth of equipment has been robbed at schools in Botshabelo between January and June this year.
Equipment reportedly stolen includes laptops, projectors, tablets, cameras, mathematics manipulitives, sound systems, printers, gas bottles and classroom doors.
Concerned community members, led by the Botshabelo Education Committee (BEDCOM), marched against the spate of burglaries in the area.
Acting Motheo District Director, December Moloi, says community members gathered at the Interstate Bus Depot in Section B from where they delivered a memorandum to the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court, where three suspects were appearing for recent burglaries at schools.
“We have plus minus 30 schools which have been broken into, and we are very worried as a department. That is why we supported the march. There were about 300 community members saying: ‘Enough is enough. We are not going to tolerate criminals breaking into our schools anymore, stealing and destroying the future of our children and the future of our province and country.’ ” Moloi said.
Moeketsi Mogotsi/Courant News
