Rising crime wave: Early Childhood Centres in Orange Farm targeted by armed robbers

Criminals targeting Early Childhood Development centres (ECDs) in Orange Farm have struck again. On Tuesday, 23 July, at Zamani Day Care Centre in Drieziek 4, a delivery man was attacked and shot while delivering toys.

The centre, founded by Ntombifuthi Madonsela, witnessed the shocking incident as a group of six suspects confronted the delivery personnel. Kedibone Maile, an educator at Zamani Day Care, recounted the ordeal to Orange Farm News: “Two gentlemen came to deliver toys. As they were leaving, one suspect approached the car, demanding the keys. While we were in shock, five more suspects joined in, forcibly took the keys, attacked the driver and shot him before fleeing with the car. It’s baffling why they shot him after he complied.”

The incident has left the staff and community traumatised, although fortunately, the children did not witness the violence. The staff now work in fear, pleading with the government for increased security measures to ensure their safety.

This is not the first incident in the area. Recently, Lusemanzi ECD in Drieziek 3 was also targeted, suggesting a syndicate may be preying on ECDs. The spate of robberies has left ECD owners, staff and delivery personnel fearful for their safety, with many now reluctant to work in Orange Farm. ECD owners are urgently calling for government intervention to enhance security and protect their centres.