A total of seven South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) officials appeared before the Lenasia Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 18 March. They appeared alongside three of their accomplices not at the employ of SASSA on more than one thousand fraud related charges.
Four accused were arrested last month, the other four were arrested on Friday while another two handed themselves over on Sunday and Monday, respectively. The matter was postponed to 1 April for bail hearing.
The SASSA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou, says the arrests are a step in the right direction as the Agency is intent on rooting out all forms of fraud and corruption elements within its ranks.
“What we have seen in the last few weeks is a culmination of the hard work of our officials, working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in clamping down on fraud and corruption at SASSA”, emphasized Matlou.
In addition, he encouraged the members of the public to assist SASSA by lifting the lid where they notice suspicious activities. “We cannot win this fight alone, we appeal to the members of the community to assist us to root out the scourge”, he stressed.
SASSA appeals and encourages members of the public to work together with the agency and report grant fraud or corruption to 0800 60 10 11 or the National Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701.
Issued by SASSA
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