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The Giyani Commercial Crimes Court convicted Solani Agnes Baloyi (56) and Jacob Manamela (64), both of whom work for the South African Social Security Administration, to five years in prison on February 21, 2023.
This comes after the pair planned to loot the country’s social grant funds meant for disabled people.
Captain Matimba Maluleke claims that the two scammers, who were stationed at Tzaneen Sassa offices, approached several jobless people in their neighbourhood and persuaded them to apply for disability grant.
“These individuals were, however, not disabled and would not generally qualify for such a grant.
The unemployed persons, on instruction from the officials, went ahead and made the application, – said Maluleke.
After receiving a tip regarding the fraudulent actions, the SASSA authorities brought the case to the attention of the Hawk’s Serious Commercial Crime Investigation.
“Following a comprehensive investigation, the accused were arrested and subsequently released on bail. However, they were later found guilty and sentenced.
“The fraudulent activities resulted in a loss of R600 000 for the department,” said Captain Maluleke.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Gopz Govender said this should serve as a warning to other fraudsters who want to commit fraud.
