Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says 183 schools have been vandalised across the country since the COVID-19 lockdown was enforced.
She says EThekwini Primary school in Durban is the latest in a string of schools that have been damaged in recent weeks in a burglary at the weekend in which expensive school equipment was stolen.
The Minister condemned the incidents of vandalism, burglary and destruction of schools across several provinces, saying it was disheartening that criminal elements could destroy the infrastructure of their children with such apparent impunity.
Minister Motshkega said she is in constant touch with Police Minister Bheki Cele and with the assistance of the state intelligence forces, they are following leads to the
immediate arrest and prosecution of every single criminal responsible.
She called on community members to assist the police to identify the culprits, and not to buy stolen items.
Over the weekend the Gauteng Government said they have already arrested 41 suspects in connection with burglaries and burning fo SA schools.
The suspects were arrested in Johannesburg, Soweto, Tshwane, Sedibeng, Ekhurhuleni and the West Rand.
They have already appeared in various courts and more arrests are expected.
(Additional reporting by ANA)
