Social Development Committee welcomes arrest of suspected South African Social Security Agency fraudster in KwaZulu-Natal
The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has welcomed the arrest of a KwaZulu-Natal man who is suspected of defrauding the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). According to media reports, the 25 year old man was arrested while in possession of 36 SASSA cards, with the PIN codes written on each.
“We are greatly concerned by the multifaceted syndicates that loot out SASSA money which has been set aside to provide social relieve to our people. It is worrying that incidences of fraud take place after the Minister of Finance has called upon government to exercise fiscal prudence, in light of the current economic conditions,” said Ms Zoleka Capa, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development.
The Committee believes that the arrest of the suspect, including other 15 syndicate members from KZN, signifies an important milestone in rooting out the scourge of fraud committed against the state.
It is against this backdrop that the Committee calls on the management of SASSA to investigate where the gaps within the current social grant payment system emanate from in order to tighten all loose ends.
Ms Capa said if found guilty, tougher sentences should be imposed on offenders in order to send a strong deterrent message to other fraudsters and those contemplating to embark on fraudulent activities. “More resources should be added to law enforcement agencies in order to strengthen their capacity to root out the scourge,” she said.
Media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson please contact:
Justice Molafo
Tel: 021 403 8444
Cell: 081 424 7481
Email: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
