The North West Education Department has expressed devastation after criminals used explosives to bomb the strong room doors of two primary schools in Disaneng village near Mahikeng, stealing a total of 26 laptops.
The break-ins occurred last week on Friday, 10 April 2026, at Moteu Makabanyane Primary School and Ipelegeng Batlharo Primary School. At Moteu Makabanyane Primary, 14 laptops were taken, while 12 were stolen from Ipelegeng Batlharo Primary. Other items, including tables, a sound system and a projector, were also reported stolen. Cases of business burglary have been opened.
A departmental spokesperson described how the criminals bombed the strong room doors and rang sect store rooms to gain access. The laptops were used by teachers for lesson preparation, research, and classroom teaching. They had been donated to the schools to advance teaching and learning.
The department is not ruling out the possibility of an inside job. The spokesperson noted similar incidents in 2025, particularly in the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district, where information about school layouts, principal offices, and access points appeared to have been leaked, suggesting internal involvement in previous laptop thefts.
The local tribal authorities have voiced concern, describing the thefts as a significant setback for the schools and the community. The tribal authority spokesperson highlighted that teaching and learning continue as planned and have not been disrupted. However, the loss of the laptops represents a major reversal in progress.
“This area of the village is one of the poorest of the poor, whereby the parents of these pupils are seasonal farm workers and grant recipients. This is the only opportunity whereby these children will have a chance in life. So when we are taking three steps forwards, we have been taken five steps backwards,” the spokesperson said.
Police investigations are ongoing, and no arrests have been made. No suspects have been identified.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the investigating officer at 082 416 3196, or call the Crime Stop number 0861 0111. The community has also been requested to be proactive and refrain from buying stolen property.
