Learner stationery ‘sold’ at Mahikeng shop

Staff Writer /Fri, 02 Oct 2026

LEARNER stationery meant for pupils has allegedly been found on sale at a shop in Unit 9, Mahikeng.

The stationery was discovered by members of the Community Police Forum (CPF) while monitoring the area on Wednesday.

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Police and officials from the North West Department of Education were called to the shop and confirmed that the stationery belonged to the department and was meant to be distributed to learners.

The shop owner was arrested at the scene.

Education MEC Dr Desbo Mohono condemned the alleged sale of the government-provided stationery.

“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,” Mohono said.

He said the alleged sale meant the department could be forced to pay twice for the same materials.

“A learner somewhere is sitting without stationery because someone decided to sell it for a price,” he said.

The department said police confiscated 35 packs of learner materials for Grades 10 to 12, 39 packs for Grades 4 to 7 and 23 packs for Grades 1 to 3.

A further 46 counter books were also seized from Jackpot Supermarket.

Mohono said those found selling learner stationery should face the law.

The department welcomed the intervention by police and the CPF, saying it would continue working with law enforcement and community structures to protect government resources and ensure stationery reaches learners.

News Junction