Roodepoort: Two arrested for SASSA bribery scandal
The SASSA office in Roodeport’s CBD became a corruption epicenter, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, aged 45 and 70.
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office in Roodeport’s central business district became the epicenter of a corruption scandal. This led to the arrest of two suspects aged 45 and 70.
The individuals, detained on Wednesday, 24 April at the SASSA’s premises, are scheduled to make their initial court appearance at the Roodepoort Magistrates Court on Friday, 26 April.
ANONYMOUS TIP LEADS TO MAJOR CORRUPTION BUST AT ROODEPORT’S SASSA OFFICE
The discovery unfolded after an anonymous whistle-blower tipped off members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Serious Corruption Investigation team about the suspects’ illicit activities.
It’s alleged that the suspects solicited the cooperation of a SASSA employee. They were proposing a scheme to fraudulently register elderly individuals for social grants. Each application, according to reports, was accompanied by a bribe of R1000 for expedited processing.
The SASSA corruption scheme escalated when the suspects handed over an initial batch of 15 applications. Enticing the employee with a hefty sum of R15 000 to bypass standard protocols. The situation took a dramatic turn on Wednesday, when the suspects delivered a second batch of 20 applications along with R23 150 in cash. Their brazen actions led to their swift apprehension by law enforcement authorities.
INVESTIGATORS UNCOVER ILLEGAL FIREARMS CACHE IN SUSPECTS’ VEHICLE DURING SEARCH
During a thorough search of the suspects’ vehicle, investigators made a chilling discovery—a cache of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
“Upon searching the suspects’ vehicle, an unlicensed firearm and ammunition were discovered by the team,” said the Hawks in a statement.
This alarming find not only underscores the audacity of the suspects. It also raises concerns about potential threats to public safety.
The financial ramifications of the corruption scheme are significant. SASSA is reportedly suffering a prejudice of R38 150 as a result of the fraudulent activities.
The suspects will face charges of corruption, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition during their court appearance.