Rabie Ridge community seeks transparency at Allanridge Secondary School following SGB member’s arrest
The suspect was arrested by Rabie Ridge police on June 5 after being caught on camera allegedly stealing government school food meant for the learners.
Furious parents, residents, and School Governing Body (SGB) members of Allanridge Secondary School were united in outrage outside the school premises on June 10.
The reason behind their collective fury revolved around one of the SGB members who had been arrested for allegedly stealing school food provided by the government’s National School Nutrition Programme for the learners.
The programme provides nutritious meals to all learners, especially the disadvantaged learners in primary and secondary schools.
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The suspect was arrested by Rabie Ridge police on June 5 after being caught on camera allegedly stealing the food, Shockingly, the suspect was allegedly seen by community members at the school just two days later on June 7.
The swift ‘on bail’ return of the accused individual sparked a wildfire of anger among the community members who felt betrayed and appalled by this brazen act.
Charles Jones, a parent and chairperson of the Rabie Ridge Residents Association, encapsulated the sentiments of many when he voiced his frustration, highlighting the impact of such actions on vulnerable learners.
“Children are struggling and we have employees stealing from the school. This is stealing from poor children,” said Jones.
“A strong example must be set so that others know that there are people who care about these schools and the children. As a member of the Rabie Ridge community, we want to see that justice prevails.”
As tensions mounted, a meeting was convened on June 10 between the SGB members, school staff, and the principal Peter Legoati, to address the brewing crisis.
While they reassured the waiting parents that the accused individual’s presence on June 7 was not work-related, questions lingered in the air. The community sought answers and transparency, refusing to let this incident slide under the radar.
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Midrand Reporter reached out to Legoati for clarification on the status of the suspect and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s return to the school.
However, the inquiries were met with silence as Legoati declined to engage with the press.
The spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) Steve Mabona confirmed that the department was aware and concerned by what transpired at Allanridge Secondary School.
“Consequently, the said perpetrator was arrested, and the matter is with the police,” said Mabona. “However, we have since launched our investigations into the matter and the outcome thereof will determine the action to be taken.
“We strongly condemn these criminal acts which seek to undermine our effort to provide food to learners at school. It is paramount to note that most of the learners catered for are from disadvantaged communities and as such we must provide food to them every day.”
Ekurhuleni District police spokesperson Captain Nelda Sekgobela confirmed that the suspect was indeed arrested by Rabie Ridge police.
“They [Rabie Ridge police] confirmed that a docket was opened and according to the investigating officer, two suspects were [actually] arrested. And the docket is still in court,” said Sekgobela.
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