After receiving a tip-off from beneficiaries and community members, the Eastern Cape Regional Executive Manager, Bandile Maqetuka, conducted an unannounced visit to the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Idutywa Local Office on March 4.
According to a statement by SASSA, upon arrival with senior officials and managers from Fraud and Compliance and Security Services, Maqetuka discovered a concerning scene at one employee’s workstation.
The statement noted that a collection of unaccounted documents, including Identity Documents, Birth Certificates, Affidavits, Bank Cards, and stamped Municipal Letters, were found in bulk within the official’s drawers.
“This discovery confirmed suspicions of fraudulent activities within the office,” the statement added.
Following these findings, three officials were arrested and detained by the police, the statement explained.
Maqetuka emphasised the importance of acting on credible information: “As SASSA, we could not fold our hands when hearing fraudulent rumors. This is why upon noticing irregular activities accompanied by visible evidence, we involved the police to officially charge the officials.”
“In light of these events, SASSA plans to conduct further unannounced visits to other offices to combat fraud and corruption within the social grant system.
“The agency remains committed to its mandate of delivering the correct social grant amounts to the rightful recipients, promptly and accurately,” the statement concluded.
