SECURITY at Limpopo schools has been put in the spotlight after computers were stolen from two schools in the Botlokwa area this week.

Motlalaotlhe and Rambo high schools were hard hit when thieves broke in and stole about 12 computers.

At Rambo thieves made off with 10 computers.

But insiders believe the security guard at the school was part of the syndicate.

The incident happened on Sunday night when the thieves allegedly entered the premises and stole the computers without any forced entry.

This allegedly happened in full view of the guard and he forms part of police investigations.

The second incident, at Motlalaotlhe, happened on Monday night. Three men entered the premises. The security guard allegedly noticed the men and phoned the principal, who alerted the police.

The principal and the police drove to the school and parked their cars a distance from the building . They went to the school on foot and caught the thieves in the act.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Mohale Ramatseba said the three men tried to flee.

He said the first man was arrested on the spot. The second tried to stab a police officer with a sharp object but was shot in the waist and was currently in hospital under police guard.

The third man was later found at a hideout in the area after a tip-off from the community.

Botlokwa community leader Vusi Ramusi said they were worried about the escalating crime rate in the area.

Provincial department of education spokesperson Ndo Mangala said it was the responsibility of schools to prioritise issues of security.