Learners at Vukanibantu Primary School in Motherwell, Gqeberha, have not only had to endure learning in a cold classroom riddled with holes in the ceiling and broken windows. They’ve had to share their classrooms with thieving vagrants as well.

Pupils at this school have had their stationery stolen. One morning they even walked into a classroom with faeces smeared all over the walls but the final straw was when they found a decomposing body on the school grounds.

When pupils at the school in Motherwell, Gqeberha, smelt what they thought was a dead animal recently, they followed the trail of the foul smell — only to stumble upon a man’s body on the premises.

One parent told Scrolla.Africa of the horror faced by the learners on a daily basis at the school.

“They always steal the kids’ stationery, cables and books ... they make a mess.

“The thieves climb through the roof to get into the classrooms and the department is doing absolutely nothing. One time the thieves even took a sh*t inside one of the classes and smeared it all over the walls,” Faniswa Bobo told Scrolla.Africa.

Another parent Zoleka Fani, 47, said she was anxious about the rampant crime taking place at the school.

“I am so worried about our children. That school is not safe, there is no fencing around the backyard, and criminals can just walk in anytime.

“If the kids get hurt then their blood will be on the hands of the education department,” she said.

Eastern Cape education department spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said officials were aware of the issues marring the school’s day-to-day operations.

“The school is receiving attention from the department. We have six schools in Nelson Mandela Bay which are part of our fencing programme,” Mtima said.

“Last week, tenders were awarded for the fencing to be erected, and the contractors will be on-site during the week of June 7,” he said.

Mtima said the department was also aware of the body found on the school’s property.

“The matter is being handled by the police — remember we don’t have the expertise to handle the matter.”

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu confirmed the investigation. “The deceased sustained multiple bruises on his body,” Naidu said.

Pictured above: The state of the school

Image source: Supplied