A former employee of the South African Social Security Agency has been denied urgent bail by the Johannesburg High Court. Phumelele Myeza was arrested on 14 March 2025, on charges relating defrauding Sassa.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Myeza put in an urgent bail application because she is impatient.
“The judgment comes after the defence approached the High Court for the accused to be released on bail. Arguing that the postponement period set by the lower court was excessively long and therefore irregular”, said NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane.
According to the NPA, Myeza also has a pending and uncompleted bail application before the Lenasia Magistrates’ Court. She is one of 11 suspects on the matter, charged in conjunction with her colleagues.
Mjonondwane confirmed that they are facing charges related to cybercrime, fraud and theft.
“The State alleges that the accused orchestrated a complex scheme involving the creation of fake SASSA profiles, into which over R4 million was deposited and then allegedly used these profiles to withdraw large sums of money from various SASSA pay points”, said Mjonondwane.
NO MERIT FOR URGENT BAIL APPLICATION
“Senior State Advocate, Matshediso Phatlanyane, emphasised that Myeza prematurely approached the High Court since the decision of the Magistrate is pending”, said NPA spokesperson.
She said the state’s opposing application clearly outlined the lack of irregularities upon which the High Court could interfere. According to Mjonondwane, the Magistrate requested further evidence to be presented in court in order to make a decision.
“There was insufficient evidence before the High Court for it to arrive at a decision. The Court concurred with the State, ruling that the applicant had not provided enough evidence for the High Court to grant her bail, especially with a pending application in a lower court”, Mjonondwane concluded.
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