Disability Grant Fraud: Portia Mathenjwa, a former employee of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), has been convicted in a significant disability grant fraud case. The verdict was issued by the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on July 26, 2023. Mathenjwa was found guilty on 108 counts of fraud that transpired over a period of almost ten years, spanning from 2009 to 2018.
The case highlights the importance of stringent measures and oversight in government agencies to prevent fraudulent activities and to protect the interests of those who rely on social security benefits. Instances like these underscore the need for transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct within public institutions to safeguard public funds and ensure that they are allocated appropriately to those in genuine need.
Disability Grant Fraud 2025
Mathenjwa utilized her role at Sassa to authorize fake disability grants for her supposed partner, Tshetlhodi Joe Masinga, by misusing a coworker’s login details found inscribed on the office wall. Moreover, she manipulated medical documents from Steve Biko Academic Hospital to dishonestly secure disability allowances for Masinga.
The inquiry into Mathenjwa’s actions commenced following an anonymous report to the Public Protector’s Office in 2019. The case was handled by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Unit, resulting in her apprehension on March 30, 2023. During the legal process, it was disclosed that Mathenjwa had misused her privileges to Sassa’s systems by utilizing a colleague’s login details to evade security protocols and approve deceitful grants.
Disability Grant Fraud Details
| Article Name | Disability Grant Fraud |
| Category | Canada |
| Official Website | www.sassa.gov.za |
See this: SASSA Might Cancel SRD Grant
Financial Loss to SASSA
The financial impact on SASSA from this fraudulent activity was significant, as Mathenjwa and Masinga were paid around R140,000 unlawfully. Mathenjwa’s sentence involved a three-year prison term that was completely suspended for five years. On the condition that no additional fraud or theft is committed during this time.
SASSA has been instruct to put in place stricter measures to avoid future fraud cases, such as implementing biometric authentication for system access. Only authorized personnel will be able to approve grants. Moreover, the agency must report any irregular spending to the National Treasury. Work on recovering the misappropriated funds from Mathenjwa and Masinga.
This situation showcases the continuous difficulties that Sassa encounters in protecting the honesty of its social grant system. The organization has been troubled by fraudulent activities and corruption controversies. Emphasizing the importance of strong internal regulations and measures of accountability to safeguard public funds.
Read Here: Top 5 SASSA Social Grants
More Sassa fraud uncovered in the province
Last September, it was report by the media that the Hawks in Limpopo apprehended two ex-Sassa employees along with nine individuals believe to be their accomplices. The arrest of these 11 individuals in Tzaneen was related to suspect fraud.
The ex-Sassa employees reportedly enrolled their partners for disability grants they were not eligible for. All the individuals detained showed up in court in Tzaneen. In 2018, the two former Sassa workers purportedly enlisted the public to request disability grants, despite. The applicants not meeting the disability criteria. These workers held positions as administration clerks.
The deceitful requests were processed and result in initial payments to unauthorized recipients being given as bribes to ex–officials. Subsequently, the unlawful beneficiaries kept getting the funds until Sassa authorities uncovered the scheme and alerted the Hawks. Both ex-officials had been arrested by the Hawks earlier in February 2021 for comparable crimes and were later granted bail.
Disability Grant Fraud FAQ’S
What does SASSA stand for?
SASSA stands for South African Social Security Agency.
What is a SASSA pay?
The government pays R2080 monthly to them.
How do I report someone to SASSA?
Report SASSA scams through multiple channels: call the hotline (0800 60 10 11), visit your provincial SASSA office, or mail the [email protected].
Who qualifies for SASSA?
The applicant must be a South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee.
Related Post: