SASSA warns loan sharks exploiting social grant recipients

• Arrest in Groblershoop for Illegal Grant Card Scheme: A 61-year-old woman was arrested during a joint operation by SAPS for her suspected involvement in unlawfully retaining SASSA social grant cards and withdrawing funds through a loan scheme.
• Accusations and Evidence in the Case: The woman was found at an ATM with multiple grant and bank cards and a large sum of cash, indicating her role in a scheme to recover loan repayments by exploiting beneficiaries.
• Legal Charges and Court Proceedings: She faces charges of fraud and violating the National Credit Act and is scheduled to appear in court soon, highlighting the legal consequences of such actions.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in the Northern Cape has welcomed the arrest of a 61-year-old woman in Groblershoop, ZF Mgcawu District Municipality, for her alleged role in an illegal social grant card loan scheme.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the woman was arrested on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, during a joint operation. She was allegedly found at an ATM with multiple SASSA and bank cards, along with a large sum of cash. Investigations suggest she unlawfully kept the social grant cards of beneficiaries, withdrawing funds during payment cycles to recover loan repayments.

She faces charges of fraud and contravention of the National Credit Act and will appear in court soon.

Acting Regional Executive Manager, Ms Karabelo Mojanaga, praised law enforcement for their swift action.

“This arrest sends a strong message that fraud and exploitation of our beneficiaries will not be tolerated. The illegal retention of SASSA cards is both a crime and morally unacceptable,” she said.

Mojanaga urged the public to report any withholding of SASSA cards to SAPS or the agency’s toll-free number, 0800 60 10 11. She highlighted SASSA’s Fraud Management Unit, which uses data analysis, community tip-offs, and whistleblower reports to detect and investigate suspicious activity.

As the grant payment cycle continues, SASSA advises beneficiaries to safeguard their personal information and remain alert to scams, loan sharks, and fraudulent activity.