More school burglary suspects held

Soweto – On Saturday Orlando East residents caught three suspects who allegedly tried to break into Ditawana
primary school in Taukobong Street, and steal learning materials.
Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele said three suspects were found in possession of stolen items and
arrested. “The three are also linked to another break-in at another school in the same area,” Makhubele said.
A community member said: “The community here is struggling; this school is not for wealthy children. Why
would they want to steal from a school that barely has anything?”
Since the beginning of the lockdown over 350 schools have been broken into and equipment stolen; and some
have been burned.
By that time in Gauteng 67 schools had been broken into. Items that have been stolen include roofs, doors, tiles,
pipes, toilets, TV sets, chairs, pianos, stationery, stoves and food.
Police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said 41 suspects had been arrested in Gauteng by last week, and
three more were arrested in Sebokeng.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi congratulated the police for arresting the suspects.
“The police have done sterling work in arresting these criminals who disregard regulations during this critical
moment of the lockdown. We don’t understand how they find the time to commit these crimes since everyone
should be at home,” Lesufi said.