Thirty-one men and women were arrested at Springs Mall on Thursday.
This after the Provincial Commercial Branch, the Springs SAPS, Sassa investigation unit and NCR investigation unit, worked together to sniff out the suspects.
The 16 females and 15 males are between the ages of 19 and 55.
“These suspects alleged to take the Sassa cards from grant beneficiaries after lending them money, with a hefty interest rate.
“They are all not registered to loan people money,” explained Sgt Themba Tshabalala, communications officer of the Springs SAPS.
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The suspects come from various nearby locations in Springs.
They then use the Sassa cards to withdraw the grants.
A total of 300 Sassa cards and bank cards were found on the suspects.
An amount of about R100 000 in cash was also recovered.
“One female had 75 cards and R18 650 in cash.
“The suspects were arrested and detained in Springs and they will appear before the court at Springs Magistrate’s Court,” added Tshabalala.
The suspects were arrested for contravention of Section (1)(2)(3) of the social assistance ACT 13 of 2004 and section 133 read with section 90 (2)(1) of the National Credit Act 34 2005*
The station commander Brigadier Thembeka Gwebushe applauded the team for a job well done in bringing the perpetrators to book to face the mighty hand of the law.
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