Thieves target Limpopo schools in early morning burglary, vandalism spree | News24

Gidela Secondary School in Ximausa village, Limpopo, was torched in the early hours on Saturday.

Limpopo police have launched a manhunt for suspects after Gidela Secondary School in Ximausa village was burgled and torched in the early hours of Saturday morning, resulting in the theft of an undisclosed amount of cash and the destruction of equipment worth over R300 000.

According to reports, community members alerted police to a school in flames shortly after 04:00.

“[Police] rushed to the scene and found the administration block was burned. Upon checking, it was noticed that the doors of the school premises were forced open, and an undisclosed amount of cash [was] stolen.

“Items such as stationery, photocopy machines, printers, furniture, soccer kits and school trophies, among others, were damaged during the fire. The total value of damaged and stolen items is estimated at R341 700,” said police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.

Gidela Secondary School in Ximausa village, Limpopo, was torched in the early hours on Saturday.

Ledwaba said three other primary schools in surrounding villages were broken into, also in the early hours of Saturday, with valuable items such as laptops and furniture stolen.

The primary schools are Pembelani, Haaka, and Nobelhoek.

Limpopo commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has condemned the incidents.

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Ledwaba said police investigations were ongoing in the four incidents.

“Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects involved should contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Ramathlodi Satekge, on 082 3199 686 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or nearest police station,” said Ledwaba.