On Tuesday, 24 February, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit arrested four suspects, including two South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) officials and one former official, in connection with alleged fraud amounting to approximately R4.9 million.
SASSA confirmed on a statement that the arrests were made following an extensive investigation into allegations relating to the unlawful processing and approval of social grants, in contravention of Section 21 of the Social Assistance Act and Regulation 10 of the Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004.
According to the statement: “One suspect was apprehended at a workshop in Heidelberg while the remaining three – two SASSA officials and one former official – were arrested in Soshanguve. These arrests are the result of a coordinated investigation involving the Agency’s Fraud and Compliance Unit, working in close collaboration with law enforcement authorities.”
SASSA Acting Regional Executive Manager in Gauteng, Mr Godfrey Mohlamonyane, has welcomed the arrests and reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering stance against fraud and corruption.
“We welcome these arrests and commend the SAPS Provincial Investigating Unit, together with our internal Fraud and Compliance teams, for their decisive and coordinated action. SASSA maintains a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption. Any official who abuses their position to defraud the Agency not only undermines public trust but also deprives deserving beneficiaries of critical social assistance. Such conduct will be met with the full might of the law, including criminal prosecution and internal disciplinary processes,” he said
The Agency encourages members of the public and employees to report any suspected fraudulent activities to their nearest SASSA office or directly to law enforcement authorities.
