- Increase in School Burglaries and Vandalism: Schools in the Western Cape experienced a rise in burglaries and vandalism during the winter holidays, with 57 incidents reported at 46 schools, up from 45 incidents at 39 schools the previous year.
- Security Measures and Ongoing Threats: Despite subsidised security support provided to 424 high-risk schools by the Education Department, schools remain targets for criminal activities, indicating the need for enhanced protective strategies.
- Impact of Criminal Activity on School Resources: The theft and vandalism resulted in damages and losses exceeding R1 million, disrupting school operations and diverting resources from educational purposes to repairs.
Schools properties in the Western Cape faced a worrying increase in burglaries and vandalism during the recent winter holidays, despite extra security efforts by the provincial Education Department.
A total of 57 incidents were reported at 46 schools over the June–July break. This marks a rise compared to 2024, which saw 45 incidents at 39 schools during the same period.
To reduce the risk of criminal activity, the Western Cape Education Department had provided subsidised security support to 424 schools identified as high-risk. But even with these measures in place, schools remained a target.
While many cases involved smaller thefts or damage, they disrupted school operations and created unexpected costs. Items reported stolen or vandalised included fencing, electric wiring, kitchen appliances, sports equipment, computers, plumbing fixtures, and various consumables. The total cost of losses and repairs is estimated to be over R1 million.
A spokesperson for the department said the damage affects learning directly: “This kind of loss is unacceptable. Resources meant for the classroom now have to be redirected to fix what criminals have destroyed.”
The Department is calling on local communities to take an active role in protecting schools by reporting suspicious behaviour and helping recover stolen goods.
Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, stressed the importance of collective action: “Stealing from our schools is stealing from our children. We urge anyone with information to come forward, and call on SAPS to prioritise these cases so that we can protect our schools together.”
Community awareness is key in stopping further attacks. Residents are urged to remain alert and contact SAPS immediately if they notice unusual activity near school properties.
