A group of pupils at a high school in Windhoek, Namibia, have been accused of stealing the side mirrors of five teachers' vehicles on the school premises. The incident occurred on Thursday and the pupils, believed to be in grades 8, 9, and 10, were caught with the stolen mirrors before they could leave the school. According to sources, the pupils intended to sell the mirrors.
The school principal has confirmed that a report on the incident has been submitted to the Khomas regional education office. However, she declined to comment further, citing that the matter is now in the hands of the regional office. The director of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts, and culture, Erastus Haitengela, has confirmed that the ministry is aware of the incident and that the Khomas regional education directorate is handling the matter.
Deputy Commissioner Fredrik Ndjadila, head of crime investigations at the Khomas regional police, says that theft of side mirrors from vehicles has become common in Windhoek. He notes that the police regularly receive reports of mirrors being stolen from vehicles parked in different parts of the city. Ndjadila also mentions that thieves mainly target Volkswagen Polos and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
According to Ndjadila, those involved in the theft often have technical know-how on how to remove mirrors from vehicles, and this has become a lucrative business for some criminals. He also notes that similar incidents have occurred at several schools in Windhoek, but the police cannot confirm that schoolchildren are responsible for all cases of mirror theft reported at school premises.
Ndjadila emphasizes that the fact that mirrors are stolen at schools does not necessarily mean pupils are responsible. He says the police have not identified specific pupils responsible for the cases reported at schools. The police are also investigating cases of vehicles parked in public areas across Windhoek being targeted by thieves.
The cost of replacement side-mirror glass for Volkswagen vehicles ranges from N$218.50 to N$638.25, depending on the vehicle model and mirror type. This has caused concern among vehicle owners, who are urged to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to secure their vehicles.
The incident has sparked concern about theft in schools and the need for increased security measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The school administration and the regional education office are expected to take steps to address the issue and prevent future incidents.
Key points
- Pupils accused of stealing teachers' car mirrors in Windhoek.
- The theft of side mirrors from vehicles has become common in Windhoek.
- The police are investigating the incident and urge vehicle owners to be vigilant.
