SASSA fraud-accused facing over 1 000 charges unmasked in court

The Magistrate ordered the 10 SASSA fraud-accused to remove their masks and hoodies during their court appearance on Tuesday.

SASSA fraud-accused were unmasked in court on Tuesday. Image: Pexels/SASSA

Ten South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) fraud-accused made their second appearance at the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court on 18 March 2025.

Their appearance follows their arrests last week for their alleged involvement in a R260 million SASSA “fraud scheme”. The South African previously reported that Songezo Zibi, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), praised SASSA and the police’s efforts after the arrests.

SASSA FRAUD-ACCUSED FACE OVER 1 000 CHARGES

The 10 SASSA fraud-accused made their first court appearance at the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Their charges were escalated to more than 1 300 counts of fraud, theft and cybercrime, reported IOL on 17 March.

The SASSA officials implicated in the R260 million “fraud scheme” are Paul Bones, Phumelele Myeza, Phiwe Mkhuzangwe, Siphesihle Phumzile Dlamini and Keamogetswe Irene Ledwaba.

Bones, Mkhuzangwe and Dlamini, were apprehended on Friday at a SASSA branch in Johannesburg. Ledwaba’s arrest was at her home in Soweto, while Myeza voluntarily surrendered to the police on Sunday.

A sixth official reportedly also gave themselves to the police on Monday, according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane.

The SASSA fraud-accused will now join four others who were arrested last month. They are Nkhensani Sharon Maluleke, Shumani Khwerana, Tshilidzi Ramaphosa and Ebenezer Tilahyn.

Investigations reportedly revealed that the four were withdrawing money using fraudulent SASSA and bank cards at a Soweto Shoprite store on 4 February.

SASSA FRAUD-ACCUSED UNMASKED IN COURT

During their appearance in court on Tuesday, the Magistrate ordered the accused to remove their masks and hoodies. A video of the suspects revealing their faces was shared on X.

More suspects may be added to the matter. The state revealed that another suspect is still on the run, reported Newzroom Afrika. The matter has been postponed to 1 April for bail application.

RESPONSE TO CHARGES AGAINST SUSPECTS IN ‘FRAUD SCHEME’

SASSA issued a statement on 17 March on the charges against the fraud-accused. The Acting CEO, Themba Matlou, also called on the public to report any suspicious activity.

“What we have seen in the last few weeks is a culmination of the hard work of our officials, working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in clamping down on fraud and corruption at SASSA.

“We cannot win this fight alone. We appeal to the members of the community to assist us to root out the scourge,” said Matlou.