REDDESBURG – The Reddersburg Police have arrested three learners aged between 14 and 16 in connection with the burglary and theft of 19 Samsung tablets at Itemeleng Primary School in Reddersburg. The Free State Department of Education has commended the police on their breakthrough in the case and strongly condemned the criminal conduct of the learners.
Preliminary investigation revealed that one suspect is from the same school, while the other two are from Beang tse Molemo Secondary School, a neighbouring public school in township Matoporong.
LT. Col. Thabo Covane, provincial spokesperson for the Free State Police, said the arrest on Friday, 8 May, followed the recovery of 11 devices from a hiding place. The combined estimated value of the recovered devices is R27,500.
“Their arrest followed the initial processing of the crime scene and a tracing operation. While a significant portion of the stolen goods has been recovered, eight tablets remain outstanding,” said Covane.
According to Covane, the caretaker at the school discovered the burglary at the school’s library, where electronic learning equipment was stolen from a secured area. “A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects gained entry into the building by smashing a window,” he said.
Covane added that the learners are scheduled to appear in the Reddersburg Magistrates’ Court on 19 May, facing charges of burglary and theft of 19 tablets. “They have been released into the custody of their parents in accordance with the Children’s Act 38 of 2005,” he said.
Howard Ndaba, provincial spokesperson for the Department of Education, said: “The department strongly condemns acts of theft and criminal behaviour by learners, as such conduct undermines discipline, safety, and the integrity of teaching and learning in our schools. These devices were procured at significant cost to the State with the sole purpose of enhancing teaching and learning, promoting digital literacy, and improving access to quality education.”
Ndaba said the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) of the two schools involved will play a central role in this matter, in accordance with their governance mandate.
