Schools face Rım loss due to burglary, vandalism

THE Western Cape Education Department (WCED) will have to cough-up over R1 million after a spate of burglaries and vandalism at schools during the June/July holiday.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

The province recorded 57 incidents of burglary and vandalism at 46 schools during the winter break, while education watchdogs and authorities are calling for stricter policing and priority investigations.

Education MEC, David Maynier, said the incidents were a significant increase compared to last year, when 45 incidents took place at 39 schools.

He said property such as fencing, electrical wiring and computers were either vandalised or stolen.

“School properties are at particular risk of burglary and vandalism during school holidays, which is why the WCED subsidised holiday security at 424 schools in high-risk areas during the winter holidays,” he said.

“Despite this investment, 57 incidents of burglary and vandalism at 46 schools were reported during the June/July holiday period. This is a significant increase from the same period in 2024, when 45 incidents affecting 39 schools were reported.