SASSA IN GAUTENG DISMISSES FOUR OFFICIALS OVER GRANT FRAUD AND TAMPERING WITH BENEFICIARY DETAILS

By DSD News

• South African Social Security Agency SASSA in Gauteng has dismissed four officials after disciplinary proceedings in two separate matters.
• One involved a fraudulent grant processed for a couple. The other involved changing a beneficiary’s payment details without their consent.
• Criminal investigations are still under way. The public is urged to report suspected fraud, and reports may be made anonymously.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Gauteng has dismissed four officials following disciplinary proceedings linked to the alleged processing of a fraudulent social grant and the unauthorised alteration of a beneficiary’s payment details.

The Agency announced the outcome today (Friday, 23 October 2026).
In the first matter, two officials formerly based at the Pretoria and Soshanguve local offices were found guilty of dishonesty. The charge related to the alleged processing and verification of a fraudulent social grant application involving a couple.
In a separate case, two officials formerly employed at the Fochville and Roodepoort local offices were dismissed for changing a social grant recipient’s payment details without the recipient’s consent.

SASSA Gauteng’s Acting Regional Executive Manager, Mr Motshele Mohlamonyane, welcomed the outcome and said it showed the Agency’s commitment to accountability.

“We welcome the outcome of these disciplinary proceedings and reaffirm SASSA’s commitment to accountability and consequence management. The Agency strives to act promptly when allegations of wrongdoing arise and to ensure that appropriate action is taken through established disciplinary processes,” he said.
Mr Mohlamonyane said the Agency had a duty to protect the integrity of the social assistance system.
“Dishonesty, the processing of fraudulent grants and the unauthorised alteration of beneficiary details undermine public trust and will not be tolerated,” he said.
He confirmed that criminal investigations into the matters are continuing.

“We will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities as required. Our priority remains safeguarding public funds, protecting beneficiaries and ensuring that social assistance reaches those who qualify for it,” said Mr Mohlamonyane.

SASSA in Gauteng said it would continue to strengthen internal controls, improve monitoring and apply consequence management to detect, prevent and address fraud and corruption.

The Agency encouraged members of the public and employees to report suspected fraud to their nearest SASSA office or directly to law enforcement authorities. Reports may be made anonymously.
The public was also warned not to collude with officials or take part in any scheme to defraud the social assistance system.