Former SASSA officials re-arrested for disability grant fraud  

Two former SASSA officials have been re-arrested for alleged disability grant fraud in Tzaneen, despite being out on bail for similar offences. The arrest follows a two-day sting operation in the Tzaneen area in Limpopo on 13 and 14 September 2023.

The operation was conducted by the members of all Limpopo Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation offices assisted by SASSA officials.

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In 2018, the two former SASSA officials in their capacities as Administration Clerks allegedly recruited members of the public to apply for disability grants. Even though they were not disabled. After their applications were successfully processed, the first few payments to unlawful beneficiaries were given to the former officials as gratification.

Then the unlawful beneficiaries continued receiving the grants. Until it was discovered by the SASSA authorities who reported the matter to the Hawks.

The Department suffered a loss of over R200 000 due to these illegal activities. The two former officials were previously arrested by the same team in February 2021 for similar offences. But they were released on bail. Whilst out on bail and the investigation was continuing, it was discovered that the suspects committed other similar offences.

SASSA OFFICIALS RE-ARRESTED FOR DISABILITY GRANT FRAUD

All the arrested suspects are expected to make their first court appearance in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

The Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Gopz Govender has expressed his gratitude for sterling work.

“All corrupt government officials as well as members of the public will from this day going forward feel the unmistakable arm of the law,” said Major General Govender.