MAHIKENG – A shop owner has been arrested after learner stationery intended for distribution to pupils was allegedly found on sale at Jackpot Supermarket in Unit 9, Mahikeng.
The North West Department of Education said the stationery was discovered on Wednesday, 30 September, by members of the Community Police Forum (CPF) who were monitoring the area.
The stationery, which was displayed on shop shelves and being sold to members of the public, was confirmed by departmental officials to belong to the provincial education department.
Police and officials from the department were called to the scene, where the shop owner was arrested.
North West MEC for Education, Dr Desbo Mohono, condemned the sale of the stationery, saying the materials had been procured using government funds for the benefit of learners.
“I wish to strongly condemn the selling of learner stationery. Government stationery is strictly not to be sold because the Department has paid for it for the benefit of learners.
“Those people who are found to be selling learner stationery should face the full might of the law.
The Department is now paying twice for the same product, with learners sitting without stationery because someone decided to sell it for a price,” Mohono said.
The following items were confiscated from Jackpot Supermarket:
- 35 packs of learner materials for Grades 10, 11 and 12.
- 39 packs of learner materials for Grades 4, 5, 6 and 7.
- 23 packs of learner materials for Grades 1, 2 and 3.
- 46 counter books.
The department welcomed the intervention by law enforcement agencies and the CPF, reiterating that learner support materials procured by the government are intended solely for educational purposes.
It said it would continue working with law enforcement agencies and community structures to protect government resources and ensure that stationery reaches the learners it was intended for.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged sale of the stationery are expected to form part of the investigation.