Laptops and Tablets Stolen as School Burglary Angers MEC Motsomi

The North West Department of Education MEC, Viola Motsumi, has strongly condemned the recent wave of school burglaries across the province, describing them as “barbaric acts” that undermine education and community development.

This comes after a series of incidents reported in the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Districts, which occurred during the crucial preparatory examination period.

At Setumo Secondary School in Ngaka Modiri Molema, armed suspects struck in the early hours of Wednesday, 17 September 2025. According to reports, the school security guard was held at gunpoint, tied with a rope inside the guard room, while the suspects broke into the staffroom, three offices, and the strong room. The criminals made off with:

3 laptops

28 tablets

A case of theft was opened at Lomanyaneng Police Station.

In another incident, on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, Reveilo Secondary School in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District was also targeted. Burglars escaped with:

1 movable cubit laptop

32 Acer laptops and 32 chargers

3 HP laptops

1 Lenovo laptop

2 external hard drives

A case of burglary was also registered at the local police station.

MEC Motsumi commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for swiftly arresting some suspects linked to the crimes and for recovering a portion of the stolen goods. At Setumo Secondary, three laptops and twelve tablets were retrieved and are awaiting identification at the police station.

“On behalf of the Department, I condemn these barbaric activities and call on all communities to be vigilant. Communities near schools must report any suspicious activity to the police. I urge School Governing Bodies and Quality Learning and Teaching Committees to work hand in hand with Community Policing Forums to protect our schools,” said Motsumi.

She added that such criminal activities not only rob learners of essential resources but also delay the progress of improving schools in the province.

Motsumi expressed hope that the judicial process will take its course and that those found guilty will face the full might of the law.