Community members from the Bonteheuwel Joint Peace Forum (BJPF) are appealing to the authorities to assist in protecting its resources after a school was burgled and torched on Sunday. The Cedar Primary School was broken into many times in during March, with criminals stripping it of some of its basic resources and targeting the admin block.

“We want the government and authorities to help us to protect the little resources we have,” says BJPF chairperson Judy Kennedy.

The administration building houses the principal’s office, staff room, staff toilets and a copy-room, which was left in ruins.

“It was broken into this time at lunch time on Sunday. The perpetrators came through the roof and they tried to rear electrical wiring,” said Jessica Shelver, the spokesperson to MEC for Education, Minister Debbie Schafer.

“The classrooms remained untouched.”

The parents and learners watched as the school went up in flames.

“Parents and learners are traumatised as they watched the school burn down,” said Kennedy, adding that the school is offering them trauma counselling.

The BJPF wants the government to replace its stripped resources and if they are unable to do so, to assist them in protecting their resources.

Police confirmed they have filed an inquest docket to assist them to investigate the incident.

“No arrests have been made. Anyone with more information can contact crime stop 08600 111,” said spokesperson Captain Frederick Van Wyk.

The Western Cape Basic Education Department will be assisting with trauma counselling.

“The District office will assist with trauma counselling and to protect the rest of the building,” said Shelver.

Investigations are still underway. VOC (Nailah Cornelissen)