The Mthatha Magistrate’s Court has sentenced 41-year-old Anele Gxumeka to six months of direct imprisonment for attempting to defraud the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa).
IOL reported that, Gxumeka visited the Lusikisiki Sassa office on 9 February 2023 and applied for a disability grant using falsified medical records.
He submitted documents detailing a medical condition to Sassa’s designated doctor.
However, the doctor flagged discrepancies in the medical card and noted that the listed illness did not qualify Gxumeka for a disability grant.
The doctor immediately alerted the police, who then referred the matter to the Hawks for further investigation.
Hawks Confirm Intent to Defraud
Hawks spokesperson Warrant-Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said investigators confirmed Gxumeka had submitted fraudulent documents intending to deceive the agency.
“Investigations confirmed that Gxumeka submitted fraudulent documents to Sassa with the intent to defraud the institution,” said Mhlakuvana.
Police arrested him shortly after the failed application.
Sassa Praises Staff for Quick Action
Sassa’s Eastern Cape regional executive manager, Bandile Maqetuka, praised staff for spotting the fraud before the agency suffered financial loss.
“It is commendable that the agency has not incurred any financial loss in this case,” said Maqetuka.
“We appreciate the collaborative efforts of SAPS and Sassa in ensuring that justice is served. While this may seem like a minor fraudulent case, the sentence sends a strong message that fraud will not be tolerated at Sassa,” he added.
Does a six-month sentence do enough to deter others from committing social grant fraud?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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