POLOKWANE – A young man in his early twenties, was recently caught, stripped and beaten by residents in Seshego Zone 1 after he was caught mugging learners on their way to school.
The Chairperson for the Seshego Community Against Crime and Gangsterism (SCACG) group, Vincent Kunutu told BONUS that the man was taken to the Seshego Police Station where his victims were able to recover their stolen items.
Education spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene says they only became aware of the frequent mugging of learners from Bokamoso High School through social media and this has left the department concerned.
Chuene says upon investigation, the principal of the school established that most learners were aware of the spate of muggings, however, none were physically harmed.
“This, however, does not take away the fact that we are deeply concerned and worried that these incidents are happening in the vicinity of our schools and leading to trauma within the school community,” she said.
Chuene explained that the school has gone through its Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) structure and that the police officer assigned to the school and the local community policing forum has been alerted of the matter for patrolling activation.
“We are confident that this intervention will be suitable in creating a safe environment for learners and the rest of the school community. We appeal to our learners and community, to report any suspicious or illegal activity to police and /or school management as soon as possible. This will better position us to act swiftly against criminal elements, especially around our schools,” she said.
Two learners, Kagiso Kgale and Lethabo Mothebele confirmed that they have been targeted several times by a group of men yielding sharp weapons and robbed them on their way to school. “This group threatens and take our belongings and tuck shop money. We have realised that they usually target us learners who walk to school early in the morning because the streets are usually empty and there is no one to protect or help us,” Mothebele said.
The Communications Officer for the Seshego Police Station, Constable Alley Maluleke said the muggings have been addressed and that police are patrolling the area every morning. “Since there are many children walking to school, we urge parents to work with the police to try and eradicate these crimes. Those who walk to schools are more vulnerable and we will continue to use all possible resources to rid the community of these crimes. We appeal to anyone with more information or who can identify the suspect to come forward,” Maluleke said.
