Lentswe, Leeudoringstad - Mary Ntombi Mielies (36), former School Governing Body treasurer and Masilonyana Kenneth Selebalo (51), former administrative clerk at Thakadu Primary School appeared in the Leeudoringstad Magistrates’ Court last week facing 88 counts of theft.
The pair was arrested in Leeudoringstad by members of the Klerksdorp-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation following an investigation into allegations of theft of the National School Nutrition Program funds at Thakadu Primary School in Leeudoringstad.
Reports indicate that the duo was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the funds received from the North West Department of Education for the National School Nutrition Program. Their duties included ensuring that service providers are paid for the delivery of groceries.
In February 2023, one service provider allegedly lodged a complaint with the school after not being paid in full for groceries delivered to the school. Following an investigation, it was revealed that between 2021 and 2023, Mielies allegedly transferred money from the school’s bank account amounting to over R350 000 into her own bank account. A further probe uncovered that Mielies allegedly also transferred over R174 000 from her bank account into the bank account of Selebalo.
Lt Col Tinyiko Mathebula, spokesperson for the Hawks, said the accused were apprehended and charged with theft. They appeared in court and were granted R5 000 bail each. Their matter was postponed to January 24 2025 for the Regional Court first appearance.
The acting North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari have lauded the investigation and prosecution team for ensuring that the accused are brought to book.
