Three Limpopo schools hit by break-ins, armed robberies

Police in Limpopo are investigating three separate break-ins at schools in the Vhembe District. 

The incidents took place at schools in Thohoyandou, Muswodi, and the Waterval policing areas, during which security officers and a learner were assaulted while electronic equipment, cell phones, and other valuable items were stolen. 

First incident

The provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, said the incidents took place this week.

“The first incident occurred at the Folovhodwe Primary School in Muswodi policing area on Monday, at about 11.40pm,” Mashaba said. 

A group of unknown armed people entered the school premises by climbing over the fence. 

“They allegedly approached the security guard room, broke a window, and threatened the security officer with a firearm,” Mashaba said. 

The robbers tied the security officer’s hands with shoelaces and forced him to lead them to the administration block.

“They then forced open the door using a pick and other objects before stealing 45 tablets, a laptop and a camera hard drive, with a combined estimated value of R82,500. The security officer was subsequently locked inside a storage room,” Mashaba said. 

Second incident

The second incident took place the following day. 

“The second incident occurred at Tshilala Secondary School in Ha-Dumasi Village, Thohoyandou, on Tuesday, at about 11.45pm. A group of people forced their way into the security guard room, where two guards were on duty, while four others remained outside. 

“The suspects reportedly shot and injured both security officers with a single bullet before forcing them into a classroom where learners were studying,” Mashaba said. 

The group robbed the learners and stole items from the school. 

“The suspects allegedly robbed the learners of four tablets and an iPhone valued at approximately R5,000. They subsequently proceeded to the staff room, where they forced open a burglar door and stole a box containing 20 tablets valued at R120,000 and another box containing scientific calculators worth R46,350,” Mashaba said. 

The third incident

Police said the third incident took place at the Shinguwa High School in Chavani, Waterval, on Wednesday, at about 1.30am. 

“It is alleged that a 20-year-old male learner was sleeping inside a classroom when he heard screams in another classroom. A few minutes later, three unknown suspects wearing balaclavas allegedly forced open the classroom door and gained entry,” Mashaba said. 

The suspects demanded the learner’s cell phone, while one of them was armed with a firearm.

“The armed suspect allegedly struck the learner with a firearm on the head, and subsequently took his cellphone and fled the scene,” Mashaba said. 

Police appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist in arresting the suspects to contact the investigating officers: Sergeant Mulaudzi Takalani of Thohoyandou SAPS at 082 487 6319, Sergeant Vhengani Mbavhalelo Manuel of Muswodi SAPS at 071 675 9820, and Constable Louis Nenungwi of Waterval SAPS at 071 227 8436. 

Alternatively, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.

Police investigations into all three incidents continue. 

[email protected]

IOL