R195,000 Worth of Items Stolen From Polokwane School, SA Reacts As Armed Men Steal Cash, Computers

• Armed men stole almost R200,000 worth of items from a secondary school in Polokwane, Limpopo
• The men stole tablets, computers and cash after holding up a security guard at the premises
• South Africans weighed in on the robbery, as well as the news that numerous schools have been targeted

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

LIMPOPO – Almost R200,000 worth of items have been stolen from a school in Polokwane.

Brazen criminals held up a security guard at the Westenburg Secondary School on Thursday, 21 August 2025, before stealing cash, laptops, projectors and other items. Staff and learners arrived at the school on Friday, 22 August, to find that the offices and computer lab were ransacked.

What did the men steal?

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According to police, the men stole 22 Mecer tablets, five projectors, two laptops and an undisclosed number of cellphones. They also stole cash from the principal's and deputy principal’s offices. The combined value of the items was R195 000.

The men gained access to the offices after pulling a gun on the security guard. They then asked him to point out specific classrooms before two of the men used angle grinders to break into the computer lab, as well as safes in the offices.

“They broke into the principal’s office, ground open the safe and took an undisclosed amount of money,” Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba explained.

“They then proceeded to the deputy principal’s office, where they also ground open the safe and took property,” Mashaba added.

Police have asked anyone with information to come forward with information on the whereabouts of the items of the men involved.

Burglaries at schools are on the rise

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The theft at a school is by no means a new thing, as police have reported that there have been 2,181 burglary incidents at educational premises between January and March 2025. The crimes haven’t slowed down since then either. During the recent mid-year school holidays, there were 57 burglaries at 46 different schools in the Western Cape.

It’s not just burglaries at educational facilities that are the problem, either. During the first three months of the year, there were six murders, 26 attempted murders and 335 assault cases. There were also 54 rape cases reported, including six at special needs schools and six at nursery schools.

The problem isn't just exclusive to 2025 either. In 2022, a North West High School was burgled for the fifth time, costing the Education Department close to R1 million.

In 2024, Limpopo’s Provincial Police Commissioner condemned the recent break-ins targeting schools, as the problem escalated in the province.

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How did South Africans react?

Social media users have voiced annoyance that educational facilities are under attack.

Cedric Johnson said:

“It shows the mindset of them.”

Kay Wehmeyer added:

“Sad when criminals even target educational centres. They can't be bothered to be educated, so they prevent others' education, and stay as morons.”

Delta Delta asked:

“Western Cape? Hooligans and criminals are the leaders. From bad to worse😔.”

Monty Morrison sarcastically stated:

“The wonderful rainbow nation at its best.”

De Klerk Brenda exclaimed:

“Thugs.”

Ceiling collapses at Limpopo school

Briefly News reported that Grade 3 pupils were injured when parts of a classroom ceiling collapsed.

Parents of learners at Dingamanzi Primary School in Giyani, Limpopo have since started protesting.

Some South Africans were divided by the incident, but some suggested that the parents fix it themselves.

Source: Briefly News