S.A News: Four Suspects, Including Two SASSA Officials, Arrested in R4.9 Million Fraud Case in Gauteng

Four suspects, including two current officials of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and one former official, have been arrested in connection with an alleged R4.9 million fraud scheme linked to the unlawful processing of social grants.

The arrests were carried out on Tuesday by the Provincial Investigating Unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS) following what authorities described as an extensive investigation into irregular grant approvals.

According to information released, the suspects are accused of unlawfully processing and approving social grants in contravention of Section 21 of the Social Assistance Act and Regulation 10 of the Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004.

One suspect was apprehended at a workshop in Heidelberg, Gauteng, while the remaining three, including the two current SASSA officials and a former official, were arrested in Soshanguve.

The accused are expected to appeared in the Soshanguve Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

SASSA in Gauteng welcomed the arrests, describing them as a significant step in safeguarding public funds intended for vulnerable beneficiaries.

The arrests follow a coordinated investigation involving the agency’s Fraud and Compliance Unit working closely with law enforcement authorities.