Hawks arrest six more for R300K SASSA disability grant fraud
This brings the total number of people arrested in connection with the fraud and corruption case to 18, says the Hawks.
LIMPOPO – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Serious Corruption Investigation Unit on Tuesday, 23 February confirmed the arrest of six more people in connection with a case of fraud involving South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) disability grants.
On Monday, the Hawks assisted by Tzaneen SAPS First Responders, Crime Intelligence Unit and Sassa officials, arrested 12 people, eight non-qualified South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) beneficiaries, three Nkowankowa Sassa officials and one intermediary during the initial take down operation. Today six more people were arrested in Khobo village outside Tzaneen during the continuous multi-disciplinary takedown operation, says Hawks Spokesperson, Capt Matimba Maluleke.
https://www.citizen.co.za/review-online/456577/limpopo-sassa-officials-in-the-dock-for-r300k-fraud/
“It is believed that between the period of 2018 and 2019, the officials colluded with an intermediary to recruit non-qualified people in the Tzaneen area to register for disability grant at a fee. The Hawks’ investigations revealed that more than 21 people were recruited and paid a R3 500 gratification each,” Maluleke explained.
He added the department suffered a loss of over R300 000 as a result of the illegal activity.
All 18 suspects are expected to appear in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 24 February 2021 to face fraud and corruption charges Maluleke added that more arrests are expected as the operation continues.
Meanwhile, the Hawks also warned the public about scam artists who pretend to be Hawks officials, who extort money from families of arrested suspects. The warning comes after the families of some of the arrested suspects paid a large sum of cash to a bogus Hawks member in order for their loves ones to be granted bail.
The scam artists identified himself as Col Monyela and claimed an amount of R40 000 from the families of the accused.
“We want to put the record straight that our members are not allowed to call the families of the accused persons and demand money in any way. If you can be called by someone claiming to be from the Hawks and demand money, know that you are about to be scammed. You are kindly advised to call the nearest police station,” Maluleke concluded.
