The Gauteng Department of Education has pledged to tighten security at schools following the stealing of luxurious items estimated R270 000 in a break-in at Phafogang Secondary School in Rockville.
Stolen goods include three smart boards plus six laptops with an estimated cost of over R80 000 per smart board and R5 000 per laptop.
Gauteng education department installed paperless technology systems at Phafogang on July 18, Mandela Day.
GDE previously withdrew 88 000 tablets tablets distributed to schools as part of the e-Learning Solution Programme, as a result of these tablets being stolen from schools.
Spokeswoman for GDE Phumla Sekhonyane said the 88 000 tablets which were withdrawn had tracking features installed in them.
Sekhonyane said since the installation of security software, the police managed to track down the stolen items through the South African Police Service satellite device.
“Tablets are replaced immediately when stolen from pupils.
Asked whether giving pupils tablets has put them at risk or made them targets to thugs?
Sekhonyane said: “Crime is a societal problem and we appeal to residents of the community who might have information that could lead to the arrest of these criminals to come forward, present this information to law enforcement agencies and ensure that these criminals face the full might of the law.
“The department will strengthen security at the schools, including installation of high tech security systems. The police have also undertaken to help with patrols.
“No amount of thuggery will deter our efforts in attaining this vision of paperless classrooms,” she said.
There was also one report of a pupil from Vilakazi Secondary School who was robbed of his tablet.
A case of theft has been opened with the police and the department is in the process of tracking the device.
MEC Panyaza Lesufi has sent out a message that pupils should prioritise their own safety, move in groups, and avoid being targeted by not wearing their 2015 Matric jackets.”
