Chris Gilili
A newly installed gate at a school in Ga-Rankuwa outside Tshwane has been stolen twice in three weeks.
The Gauteng Department of Education is currently carrying out a R100 million rebuild and upgrade of the Kgatoentle Senior Secondary School in Ga-Rankuwa Zone 5.
Once completed the school will have spacious classrooms, a grand school hall and a huge sports field.
The construction is expected to be completed before the end of 2023. However, the exciting refurbishment has hit an unexpected obstacle: local burglars determined to get their hands on the valuable materials.
Marius Coetzee, the site manager for Thaw Construction, said the thieves made away with clear view fencing and panels on both occasions.
He told Scrolla.Africa that the stolen fence will cost the department over R65,000.
Jerry Kotoane, a parent with a child at the school, said it was worrying that a facility that is meant to help their kids was being robbed.
“This school is being renovated because our kids were crammed in small classes, and some old structures. We are glad of the renovations going on, our kids will now get a conducive learning environment. It’s concerning that people from the very same community are stealing from their children. It’s a shame,” said Kotoane.
Another parent, Maureen Mpufane, said crime was alarming in their community.
“Once it gets dark, you can’t walk outside freely here. Criminals roam our streets and things have been getting worse since June,” said Mpufane.
Spokesperson for the department of education in Gauteng Steve Mabona said the department is aware of the incident and that a case has been opened at the police station.
He said the department would be placing security patrollers at the school to ensure the safety of the new building.
Ga-Rankuwa police station spokesperson Shimmy Tsheola confirmed that they were investigating a case of theft and that no one has been arrested.
Image source: @GDCoGTA
