Khayelitsha primary school in disarray as thieves strike again
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
Noxolo Xakua Public Primary School in Khayelitsha has faced a troubling wave of crime, reporting four break-ins since February.
The incidents have not only resulted in vandalised classrooms and stolen property but have also left staff deeply worried about safety.
A school employee, who asked not to be named for fear of backlash, 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 discovered the latest break-in, show classrooms in disarray. Described by staff as "upside down," 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.
Images of vandalised classroom at the Noxolo Xauka Public Primary School
Image: Supplied
"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."
While the employee said they are not aware of any extortion-related threats, concern is growing over the motive behind the repeated attacks, as well as the safety of both staff and learners.
"The community is aware of these break-ins and vandalism attacks because these people are seen but nothing is done. There is little support we get from the community as far as addressing crime goes."
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. The matter has been reported to the South African Police Service.
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.
Saps in Khayelitsha had not responded to questions at the time of publication.