Years of hard work by local charity organisations and the upliftment of children in Morningstar received another blow when criminals broke in again at the Morningstar community centre in just over a month and stole equipment worth R48 000.
The community of Morningstar is crestfallen after all five the computers in the reading centre, that were recently donated by the Rotary Club of Tygerberg after the first break-in in July, were stolen, as well as the sound system of the Durbanville Islamic Society, which use the hall for services on Fridays.
Equipment was also stolen from the Wifi box in the reading centre.
The burglars allegedly gained access by forcing open a window. They also forced open the emergency door and broke down a door to the reading centre, which had been repaired by the Rotary Club of Tygerberg after the first break-in. Also the new locks that were installed, were forced open.
In the first break-in, which was discovered on Monday 21 July, a total of eight computers that were donated by the Rotary Club of Tygerberg, as well as a microwave oven and two bicycles – still in their boxes – were stolen. The bicycles were earmarked to be used by the local neighbourhood watch.
Traumatic
Lynne Louw, who has built up the reading centre over years to uplift the children of Morningstar with reading programmes, said to TygerBurger she is very sad. “This is very traumatic. I cannot believe this happened again in only a month’s time,” she said..
Willy Watson, president of the Rotary Club of Tygerberg, expressed their anger.
“The Rotary Club of Tygerberg is angry that criminal elements have broken into Morningstar again – this time causing severe damage to the doors.”
Donations
After the last break-in, the community rallied with donations of books and eight computers were again installed.
“The Morningstar Library is there to help young learners to achieve a better education.
“In the end they are the ones who suffer. Rotary calls on the community to assist the police in their investigations to catch the criminals so that Rotary and other service organisations can continue their services,” he said.
Appeal for information
WO Joseph Swartbooi, provincial media liaison officer, confirmed that the Durbanville police registered a case of business burglary.
“The case relates to an incident at the local community hall on the corners of Skool and Kwartel Street in Morningstar in Durbanville.
“The investigation indicates that equipment with an estimated street value of R48 000 were taken from the premises,” Swartbooi said.
“The investigating officer is following up on all available leads to ensure a breakthrough.”
He appealed to anyone who can shed light on the circumstances surrounding this incident to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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