MPUMALANGA – Thandeka Dibakwane(43) and Lizzy Precious Smangele Nyathi (42) were released on bail by the Bushbuckridge Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 25 May 2022 after they were arrested by the Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Corruption Investigation on Tuesday, 24 May 2022 for fraud, theft and conspiracy to commit fraud.

It is alleged that in April 2021, a group of four females including Shatale Post Office branch Manager, re-issued SASSA social grand cards by circumventing the system. The manager allegedly colluded with the post office tellers who would delay the issuing of the original cards to the lawful owners and give the cards to the runner who is a private person. Smangele Lizzy Precious Nyathi who would then visit different ATMs and withdraw money which they all shared, resulting in the State being defrauded approximately R17 500-00.

Internal investigation was conducted and the matter was reported to the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation. Further investigation led to the issuing of warrants of arrest.

The two appeared at Bushbuckridge Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 24 May 2022 and they were released on R20 000-00 bail each. The case was postponed to 21 July 2022 for the arrest of the other remaining suspects. Investigation continues.

“As the Hawks, we shall leave no stone unturned said the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena as she was also applauding the team for swift arrest.” General Mokoena urged the public to constantly make follow-ups after applying for social grants.

Source: South African Police Service