Teachers in court

Six teachers, aged between 40 and 55 from iGugulabasha Primary School in Sakhile, appeared in the Standerton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, facing a charge of theft.

Their appearance follows an investigation by police after allegations that they were taking food, meant for the school feeding scheme, for personal use.

Structures were put in place to observe and verify the allegations, which were found to be true.
The police applied for a search warrant from the local magistrate’s court and went to the school for a search.

During the search, police found groceries from six vehicles belonging to the suspects, and they were arrested and warned to appear in court.

The Corporate Communication Directorate of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga Provincial Office released a media statement to express disappointment in the teachers.

“It is disturbing that respected public servants and teachers, for that matter, are accused of theft of food.
“What makes their alleged actions to be unacceptable is that the feeding scheme is meant for government schools attended by pupils from previously disadvantaged communities.

“These schools even declared non-school fees, because most parents are not working and poor.
“For a teacher to be accused of stealing such food is a disgrace to society,” the Corporate Communication Directorate of South African Police said.

The colleagues of the teachers came in numbers to support them when they appeared in court on Tuesday morning.

The case was dismissed until the police complete their investigation.

The teachers broke into dance and song in celebration after the case was not heard.
According to Mr Eugene Komaan, community liaison Officer of Sakhile Police, the case was not scrapped, it is still under investigation.
The investigating officer has to obtain outstanding statements.
Const Bafana Mkhabela of Sakhile Detectives is investigating the case.