The sale of learner stationery intended for North West pupils has raised concerns about the possible misuse of government resources.
The North West Department of Education previously raised the alarm after stationery intended for distribution to learners was discovered being sold at a shop in Unit 9, Mahikeng.
Members of the Community Police Forum (CPF) discovered the stationery while monitoring the area on a Wednesday. Police and Education Department officials were called to the scene and confirmed that the materials belonged to the Department and were meant for learners.
The shop owner was arrested at the scene, and a large quantity of stationery was confiscated. The seized items included 35 packs of learner materials for Grades 10 to 12, 39 packs for Grades 4 to 7, 23 packs for Grades 1 to 3, and 46 counter books.
The discovery raised concerns about the possible unlawful diversion and sale of government-funded educational resources. The stationery had been purchased with public funds to ensure that learners had access to essential school materials.
Education MEC Dr Desbo Mohono condemned the sale of the stationery, emphasising that the materials were procured specifically to support learners. She called for anyone found selling learner support materials to face the law.
The MEC also warned that the Department could incur additional costs if it had to replace stationery that had already been purchased and allocated to learners. Such incidents could also leave pupils without essential resources for their schoolwork.
The Department welcomed the intervention by law enforcement and the CPF, saying it would continue working with community structures to protect learner support materials and ensure they reach their intended beneficiaries.
Authorities were expected to investigate how the stationery ended up at the shop and whether others were involved. Members of the public were also encouraged to report suspected theft or misuse of government property to the relevant authorities.
