Tenants of the Sankopano Community Centre returned to work only to find their premises had been burgled and property stolen over the weekend.
This is said to have occurred between the night of 1 February and early Monday morning. Police have taken fingerprints for their investigation.
One of the affected tenants was the library where several computers were taken. This after another lot of computers was stolen in November last year. The other tenant, NPO Computer Tutor had three hard drives and computer screens stolen.
Administrator Olga Shongwe, said they suspect the thieves gained entry through a window after adjusting a security camera outside the adjacent premises. She said the theft has raised concerns about the security of their other computers in a classroom where they train 48 youngsters in computer skills. “Our management is assessing the loss and working on improved security measures” said Shongwe.
The thieves also broke into a tuck shop. The losses are still being assessed.
Other tenants expressed concern, saying the centre is burgled frequently with intruders allegedly gaining entry through the roof. They said most tenants have been victims, forcing some to relocate. The centre has 24-hour security.
Some students also expressed concern about their security and the interruption to their studies when the library has to be closed for some time to enable investigations. A Unisa student who requested anonymity, said their homes where not conducive to study because of noise and a lack of essential reference books. “The temporary closure of the library sets us back in our studies,” he said.
Security guards at the premises said police had taken fingerprints for their investigations. They also confirmed the burglary in November at the library.
