Images of vandalised classroom at the Noxolo Xauka Public Primary School
Image: Supplied
Noxolo Xakua Public Primary School staff say a number of break-ins since February have left classrooms vandalised, property stolen and workers increasingly concerned about safety.
A school employee said the most recent incident over the weekend marks the fourth in a series of attacks.
"We have started describing these break-ins as a pattern because we see it happening over and over again. On Fridays, we leave the school worried because we have now started to expect that something bad will happen."
Images circulating on social media, taken on Monday morning when staff said they discovered the latest break-in, show classrooms in disarray. The rooms were left ravaged, with chairs placed on tables, papers scattered across the floor and furniture overturned. Vulgar language and drawings were also found written on classroom boards.
Noxolo Xakua Public Primary School in Khayelitsha says that they have had four break ins at the school since February, leaving the school vandalised and with missing property.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
"That class has been attacked twice, while we have other classes in the hallway that have also been targeted. Different things go missing each time but the vandalism is consistent. In the last burglary, we had about three cameras that were stolen, school stationery like staplers and pens were also missing."
Despite the repeated incidents, the staff member said there has been little formal response or coordination within the school community, even though the matter has been reported to the relevant authorities.
"Even after the most recent break-in this weekend, we still have not yet sat down as staff members or school governing body members to discuss what has happened or what has been happening over the past few weeks. It is difficult to even share information amongst ourselves because there has been no move towards gathering staff about this."
Image of vandalised classroom at school in Khayelitsha.
Image: Supplied
The break-ins have also affected basic infrastructure at the school, including its electricity supply, further disrupting daily operations and learning conditions.
"As we speak, we do not have electricity at the school because during the break-ins, there are illegal connections that are made to the community and houses surrounding the school and every time they do this, it affects our connection."
The Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) confirmed it is aware of a break-in that took place at the school on March 3, 2026.
According to the department, doors and windows were vandalised during the incident and stationery was stolen, with the estimated cost of damage amounting to R25 000.
However, the WCED said there have been no other break-ins reported by the school to its Safe Schools programme this year, adding that the district is currently engaging with the school regarding safety concerns.
Police did not respond to questions by deadline.
Cape Times