Suspects arrested for possession of stolen food supplies from Minerva High School

A 60-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman were arrested after being found in possession of stolen food from Minerva High School in Alexandra on April 12.

According to a statement issued by the Gauteng Department of Education, the suspects were found next to Minerva High School with boxes of food supplies which belonged to the school. The stolen food included bulk packs of tinned fish, fresh cream milk and other perishable goods.

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The statement further noted that the food was provided to the school through the National School Nutrition Programme. The programme addresses malnutrition and hunger in schools by providing learners with nutritious meals to enhance their learning outcomes.

The two are facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property and will appear in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court on April 14.

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Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane lauded the police for their efforts in apprehending the suspects. He further expressed concerns about the theft of food supplies which were meant for children.

“We are concerned by this senseless crime which takes away from the good we are trying to achieve through the School Nutrition Programme and ensuring learners are fed at school. We vehemently condemn such criminal acts and call upon communities to safeguard the food supplies which are meant to nourish their children,” said Chiloane.

He urged community members to report any criminal activity at schools and to refrain from buying goods that were stolen from schools.

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