PHALABORWA, Limpopo, residents are angry that charges were dropped against a man accused of dumping textbooks.

Vincent Mbhungele, 46, an employee of Shutter & Shooter, was arrested after more than 5000 books were found dumped in Majeje village near Phalaborwa.

He was released on warning and the case was postponed to September 10.

"We are worried about the way the suspect was let free after a serious offence," community leader Edmund Mbetse said.

Lieutenant Colonel Ronel Otto said Shutter & Shooter approached the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to have the case withdrawn.

"An agreement was arrived at on the basis that the company would take internal disciplinary action."

Shutter & Shooter's spokeswoman Primi Chetty denied they approached the NPA .

Chetty said the "books" referred to were actually pamphlets meant for distribution in schools for last year's syllabus.

"The employee in question had already been through disciplinary procedures and was ultimately dismissed."

Limpopo NPA spokesman Medupi Simasiku said charges against were dropped "on the basis that the books were not for the government as was previously thought".