Key Points
-
Court denies bail for Phumelele Myeza in Sassa fraud scandal.
-
Prosecutors say accused diverted R4 million through fake profiles.
-
Bail hearing remains pending in magistrate’s court.
The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has refused Phumelele Myeza’s urgent request for bail.
Myeza is the ninth accused in the R4 million Sassa fraud scandal. The court ruled that her legal team approached it too early.
Currently, the bail hearing remains active in the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court. The high court emphasized that it cannot interfere with an unfinished process unless there is a clear legal irregularity.
The ongoing case involves 11 accused individuals, including Myeza. Among them are eight Sassa officials. Authorities say the group faces more than 1,000 charges. These include fraud, cybercrime, and identity theft.
Lower court still reviewing Myeza’s bail application
Myeza’s defense lawyers argued that the magistrate’s postponement was excessive. They said the delay violated the accused’s rights. As a result, they turned to the high court for urgent relief.
However, the prosecution firmly opposed the move. State Advocate Matshediso Phatlanyane told the court that the magistrate needed more evidence before reaching a decision. That request, he said, followed due process.
Furthermore, the state maintained that there were no legal errors in the magistrate’s handling of the bail matter.
The high court agreed. It ruled that the defense failed to present sufficient evidence for bail at this stage.
Accused face charges tied to R4 million Sassa fraud
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the accused ran a well-planned scheme. They allegedly created fake Sassa profiles to divert millions in grant money.
Phindi Mjonondwane, NPA spokesperson, explained that the fraudulent accounts received deposits totaling around R4 million. The group then used these accounts to withdraw funds at multiple Sassa pay points.
The court considered the seriousness of the charges. It also noted that the lower court had not yet completed its process. Given these factors, the judge refused to grant bail.
As a result, Phumelele Myeza remains in custody. The case continues to draw public attention as it exposes vulnerabilities in the country’s social welfare system.
