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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA/the Agency) in the Northern
Cape welcomes the arrest of a 61-year-old woman in Groblershoop, under the ZF
Mgcawu District Municipality, who was allegedly found in possession of multiple
SASSA and bank cards suspected to be used in an illicit loan scheme exploiting
social grant beneficiaries.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspect was
apprehended during a joint operation on Tuesday, 5 August 2025. She was found at
an ATM with SASSA and bank cards, along with a substantial amount of cash.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was unlawfully retaining the
social grant cards of beneficiaries for loan repayments and withdraws the cash from
different accounts during payment cycles.
She is facing charges of fraud and contravention of the National Credit Act and is
expected to appear in court soon.
SASSA Northern Cape's Acting Regional Executive Manager, Karabelo Mojanaga,
applauded law enforcement for their swift and effective response. "We strongly
welcome the arrest and trust that it will send a strong message that fraud and
exploitation of our beneficiaries will not be tolerated. The long arm of the law will
catch up with those who prey on the vulnerable. SASSA maintains a strict zero-
tolerance stance on fraud and corruption. The illegal retention of social grant cards
and identity documents by unscrupulous moneylenders is not only a criminal offence,
but morally reprehensible," said Mojanaga.
She further urged beneficiaries and the public to report any withholding of SASSA
cards. "We call on beneficiaries and members of the public to report any such
conduct to the SAPS, or the SASSA toll-free number at 0800 60 10 11 .We remain
committed to working closely with law enforcement and other partners to protect the
dignity and rights of our beneficiaries."
Mojanaga explained that SASSA has a Fraud Management Unit, which includes
skilled investigators and analysts who act both proactively and reactively. "We don't
only wait for complaints. Our team actively uses data analysis to identify suspicious
trends and irregularities. We also rely on community tip-offs and whistle blower
reports, which are treated with strict confidentiality. All reported cases are thoroughly
investigated to establish facts and gather credible evidence," she said.
SASSA urges all beneficiaries to safeguard their personal information — including
SASSA cards and identity documents — and remain alert to insurance scams, fake
news, unscrupulous loan sharks, and fraudulent activity.
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