Central SA
Millions lost through Sassa card fraud─── ELSABÉ RICHARD 13:15 Wed, 21 Oct 2020
The Department of Social Development has lost more than R54 million by means of South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) card-related fraud in 2019.
This is according to Minister Lindiwe Zulu in a written answer to a question posed by DA Member of Parliament, Bridget Staff Masango. This loss involves more than 20 000 fraud cases reported by Sassa last year.
Zulu also disclosed that her department has spent close to R19 million to investigate fraud allegations pertaining to her department. However, she also indicated that the money lost was reimbursed by the South African Post Office to the value of more than R45 million. Meanwhile, OFM News recently reported that four suspects, which includes a suspended police officer and cleaner at a Post Office in the Free State, appeared in court for alleged corruption and extortion involving 250 Sassa cards.
According to the provincial Hawks spokesperson, Lynda Steyn, a Post Office manager in Virginia was reportedly approached by one of the employees – who was part of the group – to load 250 Sassa cards with grant money.
OFM News
