This follows their arrest by members of the Klerksdorp-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, which conducted an investigation into allegations of theft involving the National School Nutrition Program funds at the school. The duo appeared in the Leeudoringstad Magistrates’ Court, facing 88 theft charges related to the misappropriation of these funds.

Reports indicate that the duo was entrusted with managing funds received from the Northwest Department of Education for the National School Nutrition Program. Their duties included ensuring that service providers were paid for the delivery of groceries.

[ACCUSED APPEAR IN COURT FOR ALLEGED THEFT OF NATIONAL SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAM FUNDS]

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… pic.twitter.com/nzAWt1LOy4

— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@RSA_JCPS) October 22, 2024

In February 2023, one of the service providers allegedly lodged a complaint with the school after not receiving full payment for groceries they had delivered to the school. Following an investigation, the Hawks discovered that between 2021 and 2023, Mielies allegedly transferred over R350,000 from the school’s account into her own bank account and subsequently transferred more than R174,000 to Selebalo’s bank account.

The accused were apprehended and charged with theft. Each was granted bail of R5,000 following a brief court appearance, and their case has since been postponed.

OFM News/Rethabile Monyane mvh