Outrage as Laptops Stolen From Rural School’s New Cyber Lab

Key Points:

• 20 laptops and IT equipment were stolen from a rural KwaZulu-Natal school’s new cyber lab.
• The burglary appears to be planned, possibly involving insiders, raising concerns about school security.
• The DA is calling for urgent investigations and improved protection for digital learning infrastructure in rural communities.
  

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  KWAZULU-NATAL, South Africa — Public outrage is growing after thieves stole 20 laptops from a newly inaugurated cyber lab at Sibongumbomvu Combined School in Ward 6 of the uMngeni Municipality. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies had recently donated the lab, which officially opened on April 15.

Cyber Lab Targeted in Planned Theft

The incident happened early Tuesday morning. According to Democratic Alliance (DA) leaders Edwin Macrae Bath and Sakhile Mngadi, the suspects took the laptops and other IT equipment. They also vandalized key infrastructure at the school.

“This cyber lab was not just a room filled with machines. It was a bridge between rural learners and the digital future,” the DA stated.

Investigators believe the burglars had insider knowledge of the school’s layout and its security systems. This, they say, made the theft a calculated and targeted attack.

Delayed Police Response Draws Criticism

By Wednesday morning, police had still not arrived at the scene. The DA condemned this delay. They called it “disgraceful” and claimed it sends a dangerous message that rural communities can be violated without consequence.

As a result, the DA sent a formal letter to KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. They urged him to deploy a special task team to handle the case. The party also demanded public updates and a clear timeline for arrests in response to the KwaZulu-Natal school laptop theft.

DA Pushes for Accountability and Protection

In addition, the DA submitted parliamentary questions to Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka. They requested the following:

• A report on the current and planned security for rural digital infrastructure
• Details of any prior risk assessments conducted
• A list of theft incidents involving robotics and coding equipment since January 2023
• Immediate funding plans for repair and replacement
• A strategy for collaboration with SAPS to protect high-risk schools

“This is more than a stolen resource — it is a stolen future,” the DA emphasized. They urged local residents to report suspects rather than protect them.

The DA further warned that the KwaZulu-Natal school laptop theft could derail progress in digital learning for rural students.

Police Investigate Separate Hilton School Break-In

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal police are also investigating a second case. According to spokesperson Lt. Col. Paul Magwaza, suspects broke into a school in Hilton between May 13 and 14. They stole laptops, cellphones, a router, a TV, and other electronic items.

“The matter is still under investigation,” Magwaza confirmed.

Contact Information:
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Detective Branch Commander Warrant Officer Sindane at 033-845-6526.