SOUTH AFRICA COMPUTERS STOLEN http://www.thenewage.co.za/9614-1008-53-Education_efforts_ruined_by_thieves
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Feb 4 2011 9:21AM
A devastated Justin Farnell, the founder of the burgled Lagunya Internet Business Centre, in the room where the computers were kept. Picture: MANDLA MNYAKAMA
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| Mandla Mnyakama
An up-and-coming businessman’s efforts to empower township youth with computer skills have been hampered after a break-in that resulted in the theft of computer equipment.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when thugs gained entry into the business after breaking a window and burglar bars.
They took seven flat-screen computer screens and hard drives worth R25000.
The thieves left behind only one computer, as well as a fax machine and a printer with several chairs.
Justin Farnell, 43, the owner, said he operated the Lagunya Internet Business Centre in the area, with plans of assisting unemployed youth in basic computer training, communication skills and how to utilise the internet to find job opportunities.
The Lagunya – meaning Langa, Gugulethu, Nyanga – has operated in rented building space during the past six months.
Farnell, a British national based in the country for the past three years, said the incident left him devastated, but he was still determined to start afresh and carry on with his mission.
He said he also hope to draw some support from his business colleagues to make his dream a reality.
“I called it an internet business centre because it is a facility that helps small business people to get online and utilise services that they cannot afford at home.
“Here we have already helped people to improve their communication skills.
“Just before the robbery we were actually about to start our training classes again. I also operated here to change the negative perception about the townships into a positive image,” he said.
He added that he had also expected to extend the business to other surrounding areas, as well as working with local schools.
Frequent break-ins have also left several township schools without computer labs after the theft of computers.
Farnell blamed low visibility of the police at night in the area and a dysfunctional nearby security camera for the incident.
“The problem here seems to be after dark because the police do not seem to own the streets.
Disappointed client Nomatshezi Hlobo, 21, condemned the crime: “Its very wrong because it’s rare to find services of this nature around here. These attacks will scare other business people who wish to start businesses here.”
Capt Ntomboxolo Sitshitshi, spokeswoman for the Nyanga police station, said they were investigating and that no arrests had been made yet.
An up-and-coming businessman’s efforts to empower township youth with computer skills have been hampered after a break-in that resulted in the theft of computer equipment.
The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when thugs gained entry into the business after breaking a window and burglar bars.
They took seven flat-screen computer screens and hard drives worth R25000.
The thieves left behind only one computer, as well as a fax machine and a printer with several chairs.
Justin Farnell, 43, the owner, said he operated the Lagunya Internet Business Centre in the area, with plans of assisting unemployed youth in basic computer training, communication skills and how to utilise the internet to find job opportunities.
The Lagunya – meaning Langa, Gugulethu, Nyanga – has operated in rented building space during the past six months.
Farnell, a British national based in the country for the past three years, said the incident left him devastated, but he was still determined to start afresh and carry on with his mission.
He said he also hope to draw some support from his business colleagues to make his dream a reality.
“I called it an internet business centre because it is a facility that helps small business people to get online and utilise services that they cannot afford at home.
“Here we have already helped people to improve their communication skills.
“Just before the robbery we were actually about to start our training classes again. I also operated here to change the negative perception about the townships into a positive image,” he said.
He added that he had also expected to extend the business to other surrounding areas, as well as working with local schools.
Frequent break-ins have also left several township schools without computer labs after the theft of computers.
Farnell blamed low visibility of the police at night in the area and a dysfunctional nearby security camera for the incident.
“The problem here seems to be after dark because the police do not seem to own the streets.
Disappointed client Nomatshezi Hlobo, 21, condemned the crime: “Its very wrong because it’s rare to find services of this nature around here. These attacks will scare other business people who wish to start businesses here.”
Capt Ntomboxolo Sitshitshi, spokeswoman for the Nyanga police station, said they were investigating and that no arrests had been made yet.
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