Another Cape Flats library had to be closed after it was robbed on Friday morning.
Retreat Library, on Joe Marks Boulevard, was burgled in the early hours and skelms stole money and a speaker box.
Nicole Poggenpoel, founder of the Ada Roslind Foundation NPO in Grassy Park, says she had to cancel her tutoring sessions which are held at the library every Saturday.
“This robbery has caused us to cancel lessons and have caused the children to miss lessons before their tests for this upcoming week,” she says.
“Tutors will have to find alternative venues to fit in lessons for the children.
“This has really caused a lot of chaos as we had to calm parents down worrying about the safety of their children and also if their children will be getting their needed lessons.”
Chairperson for the Steenberg Community Policing Forum (CPF), Gavin Walbrugh, says the attack on the state facility is a disgrace.
“This is an organisation assisting the community. It’s a disgrace that people attack our facilities,” he says.
“Their own children have to come to these facilities. These unacceptable acts of crime must come to an end. It’s our own people doing this.”
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, confirmed the incident, but says no arrests have been made.
“A case of housebreaking and theft was opened for investigation at Steenberg SAPS after the Retreat Library was burgled.
“The case was reported on Friday at about 10am. A bluetooth speaker box and a coin box with money were taken,” she said.
Two weeks ago, skollies shut down the Elsies River Library after it had been burgled and staff were being threatened to pay “protection money”.
Two months ago the Adriaanse Library in Clarke Estate also shut its doors due to theft and residents had to use the library in Elsies River.