Five SASSA employees dismissed over R260 million fraud scandal

THE South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed five officials implicated in a fraud and corruption case at its Johannesburg office, reinforcing what it describes as a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct and the protection of public funds.

- SINENHLANHLA MASILELA

The dismissals follow internal disciplinary proceedings instituted after eight officials stationed at the Johannesburg office were arrested and charged with fraud-related offences early last year. While five officials have now been dismissed, SASSA said the cases of the remaining three are at an advanced stage, pending court judgments.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the suspects were arrested following a meticulous investigation, which revealed that they had been withdrawing large amounts of cash using more than 150 fraudulent SASSA and bank cards at a Shoprite supermarket in Soweto.