by Rachel Shisei – EM TV, Madang
Sagalau Primary School in the Mis area of Madang Province lost a total of 149 chairs, belonging to students and teachers, during power outages on separate occasions.
The thefts happened at five different times; the most recent being last week. The chairs were stolen when the area experienced disruptions to electricity supply, for more than two days.
A meeting was called by the school’s head teacher, Mr Stahl Kolombus, and staff, to address parents on the ongoing thefts. Staff appealed to parents to assist the school in finding the persons behind the string of robberies. However, to date, the suspects remain at large, and there have since been no reports of suspects involved.
The thieves cut sections of the school’s fencing, to gain access to the premises. This has caused added security concerns; and has now forced the school to place iron sheets to shield the fence.
The matter has been reported to the police. It is understood that local police have urged the community to take ownership of the problem, and report suspects.
