More than 600 children from Fairleigh face going without a proper meal after burglars broke into Chelmsford Primary School and targeted its soup kitchen, which serves learners from impoverished families.
The theft has left staff scrambling to replace essential cooking equipment while attempting to keep the school’s daily feeding programme running.
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Speaking to Newcastillian News, Chelmsford Primary School’s Sandra Hendricks said the burglary took place between the late hours of Monday, 27 July 2026, and the early hours of Tuesday, 28 July 2026.
“I work at the soup kitchen, and when I arrived at work on Tuesday morning, I saw that our soup kitchen had been broken into and that we had been robbed.”
Upon entering the kitchen, Hendricks found food items, including pieces of meat, scattered across the floor. She said she burst into tears when she realised what had happened.
“The school runs the soup kitchen where we feed 615 children, with the majority coming from Siyahlahla. As several of the children come from impoverished families, the meal we offer at school is the only meal that the children will have during the course of the day. But now, we don’t know how we are going to feed these children,” elaborated Hendricks.
According to Hendricks and other staff members, the burglars forced the kitchen door open, allegedly using a knife that was later found at the scene. They then removed pots, a gas stove and other equipment used to prepare meals for the children.
“The gas stove that was stolen, we only received seven days ago from Bonanza. The burglars, however, left the old gas stove, which was leaking gas, behind. However, they did initially attempt to steal it, and we believe they were either interrupted or could not get it over the fence, because we found it near the back of the school, while one pot was left behind, near the boys’ bathroom,” highlighted Hendricks.
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Staff members were left deeply upset by the condition of the kitchen.
Hendricks further explained that the intruders had thrown some of the prepared food onto the floor, leaving meat and vegetables behind.
“The only food item they took was a small packet of tomatoes, which means that they were not after food, just the kitchen equipment. How must we feed these poor children with one pot and a broken gas stove, and food items that were left on the floor?” asked Hendricks.
Police officers attending the school confirmed that the incident would be investigated.
In the meantime, staff must find an immediate way to feed the children who depend on the programme.
“We will try and organise sandwiches or fruit for today (Tuesday, 28 July 2026), but we are appealing to the community to please assist us with some form of sponsorship, as we cannot see the children go hungry because of this crime,” said Hendricks.
The consequences of the break-in are both immediate and severe. What was stolen was not merely kitchen equipment, but the school’s ability to prepare what may be the only daily meal received by hundreds of children.
The crime has now placed additional pressure on a feeding programme that was already serving some of Fairleigh’s most vulnerable families.
Moreover, staff must secure replacement equipment and food supplies urgently while ensuring that the learners are not left hungry.
As police pursue the case, Chelmsford Primary School is appealing to residents and businesses to assist through donations, equipment or sponsorships that will allow the feeding programme to continue. You can contact the school on: 0693929655
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Until that assistance arrives, it is the children who face bearing the immediate consequences of a this extremely selfish crime that targeted one of the few safeguards available to them.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know below.
May the uneducated barbarians who are responsible for this break in feel the wrath of their deed. May they be dealt with in ways they will never forget, this is a disgusting crime. Breaking into a soup kitchen stealing food from the vulnerable how do you and who ever you decide to share the stolen food with feel. Disgusting humans
What has become of humanity?? Except for the theft, the vandalism is completely unnecessary. Too many of these types roam our streets, and that is because criminals are allowed to do as they please, knowing they are “protected game”. It’s a disgrace.
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3 Responses
May the uneducated barbarians who are responsible for this break in feel the wrath of their deed. May they be dealt with in ways they will never forget, this is a disgusting crime. Breaking into a soup kitchen stealing food from the vulnerable how do you and who ever you decide to share the stolen food with feel. Disgusting humans
I am so sorry I wish I could help but know that you are in my thoughts and prayers please those that can help please do God bless you
What has become of humanity?? Except for the theft, the vandalism is completely unnecessary. Too many of these types roam our streets, and that is because criminals are allowed to do as they please, knowing they are “protected game”. It’s a disgrace.