Hlokomelo Mabogale |
The Hawks in Limpopo on Monday arrested twelve (12) suspects aged between 31 and 59 for alleged disability grant fraud and corruption in Tzaneen.
This came after the Hawks engaged in a multi-disciplinary takedown operation, assisted by Tzaneen SAPS First Responders, Crime Intelligence and SASSA officials.
“It is alleged that between the period 2018 and 2019, the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) officials colluded with an intermediary to recruit non-qualified people in Tzaneen area to register for disability grant at a fee.” Said Provincial Hawks spokesperson Captain Matimba Maluleke.
He further said the Hawks investigations have revealed that over 21 people were recruited and paid R3500 bribe each and consequently the department suffered a loss of over R300 000.00 due to these illegal activities.
The suspects including 3 Nkowankowa SASSA officials, one intermediary and 8 non-qualified SASSA beneficiaries will appear in the Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court soon to face fraud and corruption charges.
The investigation to search for other outstanding suspects continues.