JUST a week before schools open, Motala Heights School, which is in Motala Farm, was stripped of all its taps and copper pipes.
Chairman of the school governing body, Billy Hoosen, said because the school is not fenced properly, it is easy for criminals to gain entry into the school and premises as much they please which has become a trend.
Many residents from the area live in poverty and the school depends on funding to operate.
“With the little money that we get, we always try to fix what we can and strengthen security as we once had an incident where a teacher was hijacked, other teachers have been held-up at gun point and cash has been stolen.
“We have since hired a security guard who is here early in the morning until all the teachers and children leave the premises, but our fence has holes in it,” he said.
The school had cameras but they were recently struck by lightning and don’t work anymore.
“Our lights around the school are also not working and at night, the school yard is pitch dark.”
Hoosen said only about 20 per cent of the learners are from the area but most of the children come from KwaSanti, Mariannhill, Tshelimnyama, Klaarwater and others come from as far as Nqetho and KwaNyuswa.
“One year, we had a learner from Hammarsdale and that shows that the education in the school is up to standard. We have about 770 children from Grade R to Grade 9 and the Grade Rs are the most affected by the crime as their toilets were damaged and all the taps have been taken,” he said.
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The criminals also broke windows, took out copper pipes from the fire extinguishers, broke tables that are used for the feeding scheme and a gas cylinder.
“They really destroyed us. We had to switch off the main meter as water is gushing out in every corner of the school. How are we going to operate with no water for the children?” asked Hoosen.
After this incident, Hoosen called Blue Security who monitors the school and charges them very little because of the school’s financial situation.
“I also called Pinetown SAPS who refused point blank to open a case and said they cannot open a case without the principal and maintenance man being present.”
Pinetown SAPS communications officer, Capt Bongumusa Manqele, advised Hoosen to go to the police station and address this issue with the station commander who will investigate the matter further.
Anyone who wishes to assist the school can contact Hoosen on 061 474 4274.
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