Duduza – Mmuso Primary School in the Basothong section of Duduza was targeted by burglars on the evenings of 20 and 21 December.The raids left the school’s infrastructure destroyed and numerous essential items stolen from the classrooms.
The electric box was vandalised.
They broke into Grade R classes on both days and stole stationery packs, the electric main switch managed, plugs, and electric cables,” explained school principal Titi Nhlapo.“The crime did not end there. They went on to break basins in the classrooms and stole the taps. They also stole a top-plate stove from the school kitchen.”
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On 21 December, the perpetrators returned to cause further destruction.“They went as far as breaking the school toilets, the ceiling, and cables, leaving a total mess.“They did not steal the taps there because they had been changed to plastic taps,” Nhlapo added.Toilet pipes were also stolen and doors were vandalised.Nhlapo mentioned that the school fixed what they could after the first break-in to reinforce security, only for the criminals to return the following evening.She expressed her devastation, stating that the school does not have the funds to fully repair the damage.
Title: StolenCaption: The toilet ceiling destroyed.Photo: Titi NhlaphoDescription: Vandalised school property.
“This situation is depressing me entirely. I am in so much pain because I do not expect people to steal from a school that benefits so many children within the community,” she said.She urged community members to help protect the school by enforcing a neighbourhood watch and pleaded for residents to work in collaboration with the school to identify the perpetrators.
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“Our children need to return to an environment that allows them to learn and feel safe.“If we work hand-in-hand, we will be able to protect the school, including infrastructure, stationery and everything else that benefits the school,” she added.She asked residents to help were possible to reinstate the school’s damaged property.“If plumbers, electricians, business or individuals can assist, we would appreciate the help,” she mentioned.She thanked the SGB and the Ghost Anti-Crime Prevention Unit for helping the school ensure safety.Ghost Anti-Crime Prevention Unit organiser Mandla Zwane explained that he was previously part of a different group which used Mmuso Primary School as a meeting point.“At that time, we used to patrol the school even at night. When I left the organisation, I assume they stopped looking out for this school,” he explained.“The school called me on 21 December after their second encounter. I called out the organisation’s chairperson, Chris Msimango, and treasurer, Lucas Maseko, to go and observe what the school looked like.“We took it upon ourselves to assist the school.“Our organisation aims to do so until the schools reopen.”Zwane explained that the organisation works with the police to ensure safety in Duduza.“We have split ourselves into groups to ensure visibility within the school and in the streets of Duduza,” he mentioned.
The broken classroom basin.
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