The Portfolio Committee on Social Development has welcomed the arrest of three South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) officials suspected of fraud at the Idutywa Local Office in the Eastern Cape.
The arrests followed a surprise visit by SASSA’s Eastern Cape Regional Executive Manager, Bandile Maqetuka, on Tuesday.
During the visit, officials discovered several unaccounted-for documents, including birth certificates, affidavits, bank cards, identity documents, and stamped municipal letters in one of the suspect’s drawers
“Several unaccounted-for documents, such as birth certificates, affidavits, bank cards, identity documents, and stamped municipal letters, were found in one of the official’s drawers,” said Portfolio Committee on Social Development spokesperson Faith Ndenze.
Committee urges action on whistle-blower information
The committee commended SASSA for acting on a tip-off from beneficiaries and urged government departments to take whistle-blower information seriously.
“It is important for government departments and entities to take information from whistle-blowers seriously, as this is part of accountability,” Ndenze added.
Concerns over slow fraud investigations
The committee also praised the swift action taken by the South African Police Service and expressed hope that all law enforcement agencies would maintain the same urgency.
However, it reiterated previous concerns about delays in fraud and corruption investigations within the Department of Social Development and SASSA.
“The Auditor-General has flagged the issue of investigations taking place at a snail’s pace in the department and at SASSA,” Ndenze noted.
The committee hopes the arrests will serve as a deterrent to fraudulent activities within the social security system.
POWER Digital
Phindile Ngidi
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