Sassa ‘fraudsters' could face charges if they don't update income status
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) urged beneficiaries who no longer qualify for social grants but continue to receive payments to update their income status.
It warned that failure to do so might lead to criminal charges being pursued against those beneficiaries. This follows a joint investigation with credit bureaus revealing that about 210 000 individuals have been fraudulently receiving the grant despite changes in their income status.
Read more: Sassa delays June payments over undisclosed income
Sassa spokesperson Paseka Letsatsi said the agency discovered that some beneficiaries failed to disclose alternative incomes, with some using multiple bank accounts to separate employment earnings from grant funds.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, he urged beneficiaries who are still receiving the grants despite a change in their income to voluntarily visit their nearest Sassa office to update their income status.
He noted that beneficiaries have been given two weeks [starting from June 2] to present themselves at their nearest Sassa office with the necessary documentation. 'They have to ask the Sasssa official to update their status.'
Also read: Sassa announces June grant payment days
He further warned that failure to comply could lead to criminal charges being pursued against beneficiaries. 'We don't want to go to that level; that is why we are appealing to them to do the right thing.' He revealed that some beneficiaries were identified as public servants. 'When it's a public servant, we have a Personnel and Salary System number, so we can trace them easily. We can block the grant and recover government resources given fraudulently.'
Sassa hopes to avoid taking legal action but will assess compliance after the two-week deadline. 'We will evaluate the response rate and commitments made. A report from our fraud management unit will guide the next steps.'
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Related article: Sassa extends deadline to swift to new cards
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