Two suspects aged between (32) and (45) were arrested by Mthatha based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, Priority Crime Serious Investigation team of the Hawks in a joint operation with South African Post Office (SAPO) as well as National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for allegations of fraud on 29 June 2023.
The two were former employees of South African Post Office based at Butterworth who worked as tellers. It is reported that both suspects were responsible for making South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) payments at Cash Pay Point.
During the period between September 2020 and April 2022 both suspects allegedly colluded in common purpose to unlawfully and intentionally flout social grant payment procedure and diverted the transection into their pockets. It is further alleged that the suspects prejudiced SASSA an amount of over R4.1 million for their personal benefit. The matter was then reported to the Mthatha based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Hawks for probing which resulted to their arrest.
The suspects will make their first appearance at Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court today, Friday, 30 June 2023.
The Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya once more applauded all role players involved for the successful joint operation and for the excellent job in eradicating criminal elements by rooting out those stealing from the poor.