Charges withdrawn after funds go missing at play centre

CHARGES relating to a criminal investigation into funds that went missing from the bank account of Homelite Play Centre crèche have been withdrawn, although a board member is believed to have acknowledged guilt for his involvement during a departmental investigation.

The person in question consequently resigned from the board of trustees at the daycare centre, while no money appears to have been recovered.

Sources at the crèche indicated that they had difficulty raising funds and attracting donors following the incident where R200 000 was “recklessly gambled away”.

“The centre became non-compliant due to this incident and lost all its sources of income including financial assistance from the Department of Social Development.”

Police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam confirmed that a case of theft was registered at the Roodepan police station in 2019.

“The case was investigated, a suspect was arrested and appeared in court on November 22, 2019, whereby the case was postponed for further investigation.

“On November 28, 2019, the case was withdrawn on request of the complainant and the case was subsequently closed.”

Northern Cape Department of Social Development spokesperson Gamiem Abrahams indicated that Homelite Play Centre was a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) that was funded by the department.

“During 2018/19, certain irregularities were detected and following an internal investigation the funding to the NPO was suspended,” said Abrahams.

“It was established that the then chairperson of the board vacated his position and a complaint was lodged with SAPS. The matter is sub judice and as such you are referred to the SAPS for further details.”