Pensioner defrauded and left penniless

Pensioner Bruce Gardner was left without access to his Sassa pension for the first time in five years after he was defrauded.

“Every time I try to use it or check the balance I get an error message saying I am not authorized to use it.

“I have been to Sharon Park Post Office to try and obtain my pension and foster care funds for five children, only to be told someone has applied for a card in my name and used it to withdraw cash in Evaton North and Umtata.

“This apparently happened on May 4,” says Gardner.

Senior manager in the communications division for Sassa Nandi Mosia says the card for Gardner was not duplicated but was replaced.

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When asked what the client could do to provide proof of his identity and fraud on his account, she said an affidavit is given to each client that comes into the Post Office to report a fraud matter.

“Sassa has received several queries where fraud has been suspected and these are under investigation,” says Mosia.

Mosia could not provide a time frame for when Gardner will be able to access his pension and funds for the foster children

“The beneficiary must approach the Sassa local office or nearest post office, where the beneficiary will be provided with the approved affidavits to be completed.

“The beneficiary can be assisted by a Sassa official or post office official to complete the affidavit, before they are referred to the police station to open a case.

“An affidavit will then be commissioned, and a completed affidavit and supporting documents are returned to the South African Post Office (SAPO) for investigation

“SAPO will then provide the beneficiary with the outcome of the investigation,” says Mosia.

The outcome of the investigation could be positive or negative which would determine if the client is reimbursed or not.

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