A newly-appointed creative writing senior lecturer at Sol Plaatje University, Dr Lebogang Lance Nawa, was robbed of valuable belongings after his flat was broken into.
A NEWLY-appointed creative writing senior lecturer at Sol Plaatje University, Dr Lebogang Lance Nawa, a renowned author, poet and secretary-general of the National Writers Association of South Africa, was robbed of valuable belongings after his flat was broken into.
Nawa is lecturing in Kimberley until July 31.
He said the incident took place on Friday morning while he was giving lectures at the university.
“I stay a few minutes away from the university and I arrived home at around 4pm and noticed that my iPad, camera, lenses, frozen meat, toiletries and slippers were stolen. There did not appear to be any signs of forced entry. I come from Pretoria and have never experienced something like this before,” said Nawa.
He added that as a former journalist at the Weekly Mail he had lost “brilliant” images on his camera.
“I had not taken out insurance yet on my equipment. The iPad belongs to the State Theatre Council. The suspect even took my toothbrush and toothpaste, a packet of sugar and meat and helped himself to a roasted chicken. It appears as if the intruder was disturbed as he dropped the kettle that he stole on the way out.”
Nawa stated that upon reporting the matter at the police station, no case was opened.
“I was advised that the fingerprints unit does not work over weekends and was told to go home, but not to touch anything. I was told to call the police if no one came out
“After spending hours on the 10111 emergency line phone, my calls were responded to by answering machines – I finally got hold of one officer who said she was surprised why colleagues advised me wrongly as the relevant unit doesn’t work at night. I was told to go to sleep.”
He added that a case was eventually opened on May 14, although no one had come to investigate the matter until Sunday.
“I need a case number in order to advise the State Theatre Council as the iPad contains classified information.”
Nawa indicated that fingerprints were eventually taken on Sunday.
“It was highly inconvenient as I was unable to tidy up in case fingerprints were disturbed.”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Dikeledi Gopane said the matter was under investigation.
“No arrests have been made yet.”
