Six suspects arrested for defrauding the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and contravention of Social Assistance Act appeared in the Botshabelo Magistrates’ Court today, 10 August 2021.

The suspects were arrested by the Provincial Organized Crime Task Team after they allegedly defrauded SASSA by providing fraudulent prescription letters which that allowed them to apply for social grants.

It is alleged that applicants will take the prescription to a local doctor who will in turn write a referral letter to SASSA as a supporting document for the social grant application.

Six females aged between 38 and 55 were arrested after a fraud case was opened in Botshabelo on February 2021.

The suspects, Matshediso Diboka (44), Limakatso Kobeli (38) and Selloane Matela (47), were remanded in custody whilst Masabata Tlhabang (49) and Thakane Motopi (53) were each granted R1000 bail. Dipuo Masitha (55) will remain in custody as she did not received bail due to previous convictions. The matter was postponed to 12 August 2021 for formal bail application.

Anyone who might know of anyone involved in such a syndicate, to contact the Provincial Organized Crime Task Team at 051 507 6622 or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111, alternatively send information via MySAPS App.

Source: South African Police Service