A local early childhood centre, Cleverland Children Academy, was left reeling after a break-in over the weekend that resulted in the theft of essential learning and care items.
Speaking to GLOBE POST, principal Lebohang Xirindza said the exact time of the robbery is unclear, but it is believed to have occurred between Saturday and Sunday night. The incident was only discovered on Tuesday morning.
“We are not sure exactly when it happened, but we think it took place over the weekend. We only discovered it on Tuesday morning. There is no one staying at the centre, and we have never been robbed before, so I didn’t go to check,” she said..
According to Xirindza, the suspects took a wide range of items used daily by the children and staff. These include children’s plates and cups, toys, chairs, potties, a television, a gas cylinder, a fire extinguisher, first aid kits, and various cleaning supplies. Building materials and tools were also stolen, including a wheelbarrow, cement, buckets, and electrical appliances.
The suspects reportedly caused structural damage during the break-in, digging into a wall to access electricity piping. “The losses are estimated to be around R20,000,” Xirindza added.
Reacting to the incident, parent and community leader Eddie Sibusiso Makhehla, who has a child enrolled at the centre, expressed outrage and disappointment. “As a community leader and a parent, it came as a disappointment because how could someone be so heartless and cruel to do such things and destroy the future of our kids. And as some of our community comes from poor backgrounds, if someone comes and does such things to the safe space for our kids, I still can’t believe what had happened,” he said.
He further called for justice, saying: “I just wish that the law can take its course and the perpetrators can be caught and brought to book. I also want the law to set an example and show that such crimes will not be tolerated.”
The incident has raised concerns about security at early childhood centres in the area, particularly those without on-site security or overnight staff. Authorities have not yet confirmed any arrests, and investigations are ongoing.
