POLOKWANE – Several business owners in Ladanna and Industria returned to work after the holidays to discover windows and pot plants broken and some items in and around their premises stolen.
Hannes Willemse, a business owner in Staal Street, said he was met by a poor sight on Friday. “Potplants had been broken and some of my windows were also broken during the holiday.
“It is clear that no one wanted to break in but simply cause damage to my property,” Willemse said.
He said the biggest problem in Ladanna and Industria is not people robbing the businesses but rather school children being a menace over the school holidays.
He said the replacement of the pot plants and windows is money taken out of his business and many businesses have a difficult time in January as it is.
Two other businesses, one in Pietersburg Street and the other in Witklip Street, also suffered broken windows and some signboards were also damaged. Some furniture was also broken and stolen.
Police urge people to report all incidents of vandalism
Capt Mohlaka Mashiane, spokesperson for the Westenburg police, said vandalism is something not many people report to the police except when there are valuable items stolen or missing.
He urged people to report all incidents of vandalism as this is the only way the police can become aware of the problem and help solve these crimes.
“Parents and children must understand vandalism is not a game. It is the willful destruction of property. This means there is criminal intent and this can lead to stiff fines being issued and even arrest being made.
