Bail granted to 10 of 11 accused in Sassa fraud and theft case
The Lenasia magistrate's court on Thursday granted bail to 10 of the 11 accused in the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) R4m fraud and theft case.
'Bail amounts range between R10,000 and R30,000,' said National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
'The fourth accused, Ethiopian national Abenezer Tilahyn, was denied bail after the court ruled he posed a flight risk.'
The case postponed to September 2 for further investigation.
'As part of the bail conditions, the accused are required to surrender their travel documents and are prohibited from interfering with the ongoing investigation or any state witnesses.'
Shumani Khwerana and his 10 co-accused face multiple charges, including cybercrime, fraud and theft.
'It is alleged that they orchestrated a sophisticated scheme involving the creation of fake Sassa profiles, through which over R4m was fraudulently deposited and withdrawn at various Sassa pay points.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
NPA heads to the Supreme Court of Appeal over Cholota ruling appeal
The National Prosecuting Authority is set to petition the Supreme Court of Appeal following a controversial dismissal by Judge Loubser of their application for leave to appeal. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is set to petition the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) following a controversial dismissal by Judge Loubser of their application for leave to appeal. The ruling has drawn attention as it relates to the jurisdictional authority of the Free State Division of the High Court to hear the case against Moraidi Cholota, who has been implicated in the ongoing asbestos scandal that has plagued the region. The judgement, handed down by Loubser J, has been met with considerable concern from the prosecution team, which had urged the Honourable Judge to reserve pivotal questions of law for consideration by the SCA under Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Act. According to the NPA, the judge's decision not only undermined the legal process but also initiated a potential gap in justice surrounding the serious allegations presented in the case.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
NPA heads to SCA over Cholota ruling appeal
The National Prosecuting Authority is set to petition the Supreme Court of Appeal following a controversial dismissal by Judge Loubser of their application for leave to appeal. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is set to petition the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) following a controversial dismissal by Judge Loubser of their application for leave to appeal. The ruling has drawn attention as it relates to the jurisdictional authority of the Free State Division of the High Court to hear the case against Moraidi Cholota, who has been implicated in the ongoing asbestos scandal that has plagued the region. The judgement, handed down by Loubser J, has been met with considerable concern from the prosecution team, which had urged the Honourable Judge to reserve pivotal questions of law for consideration by the SCA under Section 319 of the Criminal Procedure Act. According to the NPA, the judge's decision not only undermined the legal process but also initiated a potential gap in justice surrounding the serious allegations presented in the case.
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga premier warns against interruption of government projects
The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, has warned against the interruption of government projects at the Mthethomusha Nature Reserve near the Mpakeni Settlement. This as the government is spending R4m on infrastructure upgrades and R10m on drilling and the installation of water ponds there. The projects are under threat as the Ward 24 councillor, Mandla Siboza, and members of the local Traditional Council were intimidated by suspected syndicates, who demand a share in the projects. Siboza was attacked at his home in Daantjie (Oggo Section) near the nature reserve on May 31 at around 02:00. His house and vehicle were fired at with high-calibre firearms and he later told Lowvelder Express that he believed that the attack was a warning against his involvement in the projects at the nature reserve. ALSO READ: Bail for seven in Lydenburg shoot-out case Siboza's belief was echoed by the Office of the Premier when calling for the government projects to continue without interference. 'Any interruption of government projects will not be tolerated,' warned Ndlovu. He said the project was designed to provide water to wild animals and to upgrade infrastructure, to prevent them from crossing into local villages and farms. 'The project is under threat as a local councillor and members of the Traditional Authority are intimidated to accede to the demands of people who want a share,' added Ndlovu. He has so far met with the security cluster, led by the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, and the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, in Mbombela on Tuesday, June 3. The MEC for economic development and tourism, Makhosazana Masilela, and other senior government officials also attended the meeting. 'Perpetrators of these threats must be arrested to face the full might of the law. The victims must lay criminal charges for police investigation,' said Ndlovu. He added that the Mthethomusha project would benefit communities living on the edges of the reserve, through job creation and contract opportunities. 'The project will provide water for elephants that break out of the nature reserve in search of the natural resources outside,' said Ndlovu. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has confirmed that the projects at Mthethomusha were ongoing. 'R4m is being spent on infrastructure that includes the building's renovation and entrance gate, while R10m is for the bulk water and resuscitation of water ponds for the animals,' said the MTPA's spokesperson, Simphiwe Shungube. Police investigators have so far met with Siboza on several occasions in order to connect the dots after this publication had reported about his belief that his attack was related to the projects at the nature reserve. No arrest has been made in connection with the shooting at Siboza's home thus far. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
