Probe into R158 m theft at South African Post Office and Postbank

THE case of the theft of R158 million, related to social grant payments and cyber fraud, at state entities Postbank and the Post Office is yet to be finalised, almost two years after it occurred.

- LOYISO SIDIMBA

Auditor-General of South Africa, Tsakani Maluleke, revealed that she will provide an update on the matter in her next audit. Maluleke stated that she has been assured by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the official name of the Hawks, that the investigation is in progress after the matter was referred to the law enforcement agency.

The Hawks are investigating three cases of theft amounting to R158 million at the South African Post Office (Sapo) and Postbank after Maluleke expressed dissatisfaction with how the matters were handled by the entities themselves. The cases were opened with the Garsfontein, ‘Tshwane police in August 2023 and two others at Pretoria Central and Park Road, Mangaung in June last year.

Maluleke said in October last year the Hawks informed her that the docket was still with the prosecutor for a decision and in April the crime-fighting body submitted a status update indicating that the matter is still under investigation.

“I will follow up on the progress made on the next audit,’ she said.

The Hawks have revealed that the ongoing cases involve individuals identified as SS Massoa and BL Mbatha, a former manager and teller at the Stretford Post Office in Orange Farm.