Thugs strike Odendaalsrus school, strip laptops and gadgets

Criminals made off with valuable school equipment after they broke into Malebaleba Primary School, Odendaalsrus on the evening of Monday, 1 August, and the police have launched a manhunt.

It is alleged that heavily armed robbery suspects tied up a security officer, went to the staff room where they flee away with nine laptops, computer hard drivers, six computer central processing units, five note pads, rooters, microwave, intercom and an undisclosed cash.

“On Monday, at about 23:25 a 43-year-old security officer at Malebaleba Primary school was on duty when he saw an unknown man passing with a torch and the next moment, one shot was fired,” says Lejweleputswa police spokesperson captain Stephen Thakeng.

Thakeng says prior to the burglary, armed robbers used a crowbar to forcefully open the classroom.

“After they opened the classroom, they found the security officer and pointed a gun at him, and was taken to another classroom where he was tied up both his hands and feet with electric wire,” he explained.

“The suspects went to the staff room to rob the valuables of the school. After four hours he managed to untie himself and walked next to the fence to scream for help.

“Then a police vehicle was stopped that was passing by.

“The security officer did not sustain any injuries and a case of robbery was registered for further investigation,” detailed Thakeng.

Thakeng says the police are pleading with residents to assist the investigation team in tracking down the armed robbery suspects.

“Anyone with information leading to the arrests of these suspects, detective constable Modise Kotsi of Odendaalsrus Detective Services can be contacted at cellphone number 082 301 2797 or Police Emergency number 08600 10111,” Thakeng said.