SASSA welcomes sentencing of social grant con artists
The South African Social Security Agency says the sentencing of five people for fraud, should serve as awarning to would-be fraudsters.
The group -which includes three former SASSA employees - were sentenced to a combined 37-years in prison by the Ulundi Regional Court yesterday.
The agency's Vusumuzi Mahaye says they were convicted of processing fraudulent grant applications at the Mbumbulu office.
"They stole machines overnight and started to enrol people illegally so that they can assess grants. The damage is estimated at R750 000. A member of the public tipped off police and they then proceeded to the scene and arrested those people overnight. This will serve as a deterrent to employees and members of the public in terms of abusing of public funds," he said.
