The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has announced that more arrests are expected following the apprehension of three of their employees involved in an alleged fraud scheme amounting to R260 million.
“Sassa will not rest until all the bad apples in the system are eliminated to ensure an efficient and dignified organization that serves its beneficiaries with integrity,” the agency stated in a statement.
Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) Songezo Zibi, praised both Sassa and the police for their efforts after the arrests of the three officials last week.
The employees were taken into custody at the SASSA offices in Johannesburg for their alleged involvement in the theft of more than R260 million from beneficiaries through fraudulent Sassa cards, often referred to as “ghost cards.” Law enforcement is continuing to search for four additional individuals believed to be involved in the scheme.
Zibi expressed hope that these arrests would send a strong message to those who steal from the poor and defraud the state.
Police make arrests for SASSA fraud scheme
“We see many of these instances where people take advantage of the transfers that South African taxpayers provide to the people who are less fortunate. They take advantage of the system in order to steal. To advantage themselves, relatives, and their friends. And I hope justice takes its course as quickly as possible. And that those still on the run will soon be arrested and taken to court,” Zibi said as per SABC News.
Sassa called on the public to report grant fraud and corruption to 0800 601011 as police look to make more arrests.
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