Four suspects, including two current officials and one former official of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), were arrested this week in connection with alleged fraud totalling approximately R4.9 million.
According to the Agency, the suspects were arrested on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) provincial investigating unit following an extensive probe into the alleged unlawful processing and approval of social grants, in contravention of Section 21 of the Social Assistance Act and Regulation 10 of the Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004.
SASSA Gauteng region spokesperson Lungelo Mkamba said one suspect was apprehended at a workshop in Heidelberg, while the remaining three- two SASSA officials and one former official- were arrested in Soshanguve.
”The accused are expected to appear in the Soshanguve Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 25 February 2026,” he said.
According to SASSA, the arrests follow a coordinated investigation between its Fraud and Compliance Unit and law enforcement authorities.
SASSA Gauteng acting regional executive manager Godfrey Mahlomonyane said the agency welcomed the arrests and commended the SAPS Provincial Investigating Unit, together with its internal Fraud and Compliance teams, for their decisive and coordinated action.
“We welcome these arrests and commend the SAPS Provincial Investigating Unit, together with our internal Fraud and Compliance teams, for their decisive and coordinated action.”
Mahlomonyane said SASSA maintains a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and corruption.
”Any official who abuses their position to defraud the Agency not only undermines public trust but also deprives deserving beneficiaries of critical social assistance.
”Such conduct will be met with the full might of the law, including criminal prosecution and internal disciplinary processes,” he said.
Mahlomonyane said safeguarding public funds remained a top priority for the agency and expressed hope that the arrests would serve as a strong deterrent to others who may contemplate similar misconduct.
“SASSA will not hesitate to act against anyone who seeks to manipulate the social assistance system for personal gain. Protecting the integrity of the social grant system and ensuring that assistance reaches the rightful beneficiaries is non-negotiable,” he added.
The agency said it remains committed to strengthening internal controls, enhancing monitoring mechanisms and intensifying consequence management to root out fraud and protect the integrity of the social assistance system.
SASSA encouraged members of the public and employees to report suspected fraudulent activities to their nearest SASSA office or directly to law enforcement authorities, adding that whistleblowers may report wrongdoing anonymously.
IOL News
et your news on the go. Download the latest IOL App for Android and IOS now.
Hope Ntanzi
iol.co.za
