Moyahabo Mabeba
A Limpopo teacher who was assigned to receive the food for her school’s feeding scheme on Sunday stole the groceries for herself.
But the teacher from Maswianape Primary School in Sekhukhune, was spotted by community members loading items into her car.
They confronted her before alerting Motetema police.
James Moela, a community leader at Mamphokgo village, said the teacher told him that he had no business in the matter as he was not a security guard.
“She tried to drive away but I confronted her when she struggled to open the gate. After a heated argument, she surrendered,” he said.
“Together with other members of the school governing body and members of the community, we forced her to open the boot of her car and found the stolen goods.”
Moela told Scrolla.Africa that some school staffers wanted to protect her.
But the community insisted that she should be arrested.
Constable George Mahlabegoana, investigating officer at Motetema police station, confirmed the teacher was arrested and charged with theft and possession of stolen goods.
“At the time of her arrest she was in possession of the stolen items. She initially wanted to plead guilty but now she has changed her mind. She was granted R400 bail and her case has been remanded to 3 August while investigations continue.”
Provincial Department of Education spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene said the district director has directed the labour relations team to conduct an internal investigation so that appropriate action is taken.
Following her arrest and confession, the teacher pleaded that she was sorry.
“It was the devil who made me do this!” she said.
