Community member opens charges over food parcels

A COMMUNITY member, Thabiso Stuurman, has opened criminal charges after food parcels to the value of R8 400 were apparently distributed to unidentified beneficiaries in Windsorton.

Stuurman said that the ward councillor had requested community members to assist the Department of Social Development to identify 210 deserving beneficiaries, whereupon their identities and documents were used to apply for funding.

“Funding was obtained for the distribution of 100 food parcels to beneficiaries in Hebron Park and Kutlwano in Windsorton.

“On May 14 the food parcels arrived, but many were given to other persons who were never mentioned on the lists,” said Stuurman.

“Out of the 10 names I submitted, only three received food parcels. I fear that the community has lost trust in my character and that I am being held personally accountable for beneficiaries who did not receive their food parcels.”

Police spokesperson Brigadier Mohale Ramatseba said the Windsorton police were investigating a case of theft.

“No arrests have been made. Anyone with information can call Detective Sergeant Eugene Julius on 053 551 0003. The investigation continues.”

Northern Cape Department of Social Development spokesperson Gamiem Abrahams said the department was involved in the lockdown food relief programme and delivery of food parcels to qualifying beneficiaries in Windsorton.

“I can further confirm that the department assigned officials to be responsible for the distribution,” said Abrahams

“As there is a case registered and an ongoing investigation, the department cannot comment on the details of the case. We will await the

In total, the department has recorded 273 officials and 482 inmates infected with Covid-19 across the country; 173 individuals have recovered and six have died.

The Western Cape, currently the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, has recorded outcome of the investigation.”

Windsorton ward councillor Thomas Saul said a misunderstanding had arisen after some beneficiaries who were on the list did not qualify according to the criteria.

“The Department of Social Development conducted door-todoor assessments of families in need. I withdrew myself and my ward committee from the food relief programme as I did not want to get involved. Therefore, I asked community members to assist in identifying the beneficiaries in Hebron Park and Kutlwano,” said Saul.

He added that not all the beneficiaries who were identified by Stuurman, qualified for food parcels.

“As an example, beneficiaries who receive an old age pension do not qualify for a food parcel. Therefore the remaining food parcels that were allocated to beneficiaries on the list who did not qualify were instead handed over to other households in the area without any source of food or income.”

229 cases, including 172 officials and 57 inmates, with three deaths and 98 recoveries.

The Northern Cape and Kwazulu-natal each recorded the infection of two officials, while the Free State recorded one case as well as one recovery.