Lindiwe Shangase, a 54-year old woman got arrested in Westville and is set to join her conspirators for allegedly robbing the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) of more than R7 million.
Upon her arrest, the police discovered and recovered:
- two cellphones,
- personal files,
- bank cards, and
- other documents.
Captain Nqobile Gwala, police spokesperson mentioned that her two conspirators – Sibusisiwe Gazu and Bongani Gumede are wanted in relation to fraudulent activity in Ixopo where they issued 47 fake Sassa cards.
Gwala said they found the pair who had 47 Sassa cards and R73,000 cash in their possession.
“The suspect was responsible for fraudulently issuing 47 Sassa cards. The total value of the amount of money defrauded is R 7 295 550. The suspect appeared at the Durban Specialised Commercial Crime Court today. She was granted bail of R10 000. All three accused will appear again at the Durban Specialised Commercial Crime Court on September 22.”
“It is heart-breaking to learn that there are people who are robbing pensioners and people who need to feed their families through the grant money. I am glad that the suspects were arrested and more arrests can be expected as the investigation unfolds,” said the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula.