Food Theft at Minerva Secondary: MEC Condemns Crime Against Learners

Two suspects have been taken into custody for allegedly stealing food intended for the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) at Minerva Secondary School in Alexandra, Johannesburg.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed the arrests on Monday, saying the suspects — a 60-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman — were caught on Saturday, 12 April 2025, near the school with boxes of stolen food supplies.

The stolen goods included essential items like tinned fish, fresh cream milk, and other perishables meant for the school’s learners. The suspects were charged with possession of suspected stolen property and appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 April. Chiloane praised the swift response by police and expressed concern over thefts targeting school feeding programmes.

“We are concerned by the senseless crime which takes away from the good we are trying to achieve through the school nutrition programme,” Chiloane said. “We call on communities to safeguard the food supplies meant to nourish their children.”

The NSNP plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity and improving learning outcomes by providing daily meals to millions of schoolchildren across South Africa.

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Sourced:African Insider