KEY POINTS
- Three Sassa grant administrators were arrested in Johannesburg for their alleged involvement in a R260 million fraud scheme, with more arrests expected as the investigation continues.
- Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe has directed Sassa to intensify efforts to combat fraud and corruption, urging the public to report suspicious activities.
- The arrests are part of a broader crackdown on corruption within Sassa, following recent convictions of individuals defrauding the agency and ongoing challenges in ensuring the integrity of the grant system.
In a significant blow to corruption within the South African Social Security Agency, Sassa, three grant administrators were arrested in Johannesburg on Friday for their alleged involvement in a staggering R260 million fraud scheme.
Sowetanlive reports that the Administrators were apprehended by police following a tip-off, just as their office was about to open for the day.
This latest arrest in Sassa comes on the heels of similar crackdowns in Idutywa last month, signaling a nationwide effort to tackle fraud within the agency.
Sassa has confirmed that it is working closely with law enforcement, and more arrests are expected as the investigation unfolds.
“Sassa will not rest until all the bad apples in the system are cleansed to ensure an efficient and dignified organisation that will serve its beneficiaries with integrity,” the agency stated.
Sassa urged to tackle fraud and corruption
Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe has taken a firm stance on the issue, directing Sassa to intensify its efforts to reduce fraud and corruption across all its offices.
“We cannot allow a few individuals to undermine the integrity of a system designed to uplift the most vulnerable in our society,” Tolashe emphasised.
The agency has also called on the public to assist in the fight against corruption by reporting any suspicious activities.
Citizens can contact Sassa’s fraud hotline at 0800 601011 or the National Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701.
“As the crackdown intensifies, Sassa pledges to cleanse the system and restore public trust.”
This latest scandal is part of a broader pattern of corruption within Sassa. Just last week, four women were convicted of defrauding the agency by collecting child support grants for non-existent children using fake birth certificates.
They were ordered to repay the stolen funds and received suspended sentences.
In another case, a pensioner, Salamina Khoza, is set to stand trial in July for allegedly stealing R100,000 from Sassa.
These incidents highlight the pervasive nature of fraud within the agency and the urgent need for systemic reform.
Sassa’s efforts to combat corruption have been met with mixed results. While the agency has made strides in identifying and prosecuting fraudulent activities, challenges remain.
Postbank, which handles Sassa grant payments, recently extended its deadline for issuing new grant cards due to delays in the conversion process. This has raised concerns about the efficiency of the system and its vulnerability to exploitation.
