The break-in happened on Monday, December 10.
The 42 laptops were stolen from the school’s computer lab, while the other computers were stolen from the administration block.
Click Foundation is an NGO that promotes literacy in schools in a number of regions. It helps learners to get to grips with English, maths and science.
Lebo Mphela, the foundation’s regional administrator, said the literacy programme for learners in Grades One to Three has suffered a huge blow because of the break-in.
“Children won’t be back on the programme when the school reopens next year. This will hinder their progress because they are benefiting big time from the programme,” said Mphela.
She added: “If these computers are not recovered, it will mean we are back to square one, as we will have to look for new funding for the programme. I am pleading with community members from Katlehong and surrounds to provide the police with a lead.
“If you have any information, please contact investigating officer Beauty Khambule from Katlehong SAPS or go to your nearest police station with the information.”
School principal Bheki Khumalo said he would have liked to comment, but the Department of Education does not allow principals to talk to the media.
Khumalo referred Kathorus MAIL to the chairman of the school governing body (SGB), Mxolisi Nzimande.
Nzimande said: “The principal only knew about the break-in when staff reported for duty the following day (Tuesday). That is when he realised that his office window was wide open and that the suspects had used it to gain entry and deactivate the alarm.
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“The thieves went to the strong-room and took the keys to open the computer lab and stole all 42 laptops. However, they failed to open the main safe.
“As for the computers in the administration block, they held all the information of the learners who registered online,” said Nzimande.
He said the police estimated the loss at more than R200 000.
The communications official at Katlehong Police Station, Capt Mega Ndobe, confirmed that a case of business burglary was opened at the police station and investigations had begun.
Officer Khambule can be contacted on 082 674 6690.
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