Bail Hearing For 11 Defendants In Multi-Million-Rand  SASSA Fraud Case

The bail application for 11 individuals arrested in connection with R260 million South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) fraud scheme will continue today,  Wednesday before the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg.

The group seeking bail, included eight SASSA officials, faces over 1,300 charges of theft, fraud, and cybercrime, allegedly linked to fraudulent SASSA card withdrawals at a Shoprite supermarket in Soweto.

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Accused Plead For Bail, Claim Innocence

During Tuesday’s court proceedings, Phiwe Mkhuzangwe, one of the accused, pleaded for bail, stating she intended to plead not guilty to the charges.

In her affidavit, and bail application Mkhuzangwe explained her need to care for her cancer-stricken mother, stressing that despite being aware of the police’s interest in her, she did not attempt to flee.

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She assured the court at the bail hearing,she posed no threat to the public and had no intention of evading the trial.

The accused have collectively faced over 1,300  charges, and the case has garnered significant attention due to its scale and impact on South Africa’s social security system.

Fraud Scheme Involved Multiple SASSA Employees

The fraud scheme, which was uncovered after a thorough investigation, involved several SASSA employees using fraudulent SASSA and bank cards to withdraw large sums of money from multiple accounts.

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The withdrawals occurred in February at a Shoprite supermarket in Soweto, which was a key location for the fraud.

Authorities arrested several individuals, including SASSA employees Phumelele Myeza, Paul Bones, Keamogetswe Irene Ledwaba, and others, while some suspects voluntarily surrendered to authorities.

Investigations continues after the bail hearing  as more details emerge regarding the extensive fraud operation.

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