Five SASSA officials have been dismissed following R260 million scandal.
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The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has dismissed five officials implicated in a fraud and corruption case at its Johannesburg office, reinforcing what it describes as a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct and the protection of public funds.
The dismissals follow internal disciplinary proceedings instituted after eight officials stationed at the Johannesburg office were arrested and charged with fraud-related offences early last year. While five officials have now been dismissed, SASSA said the cases of the remaining three are at an advanced stage, pending court judgments.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the suspects were arrested following a meticulous investigation, which revealed that they had been withdrawing large amounts of cash using more than 150 fraudulent SASSA and bank cards at a Shoprite supermarket in Soweto.
Mjonondwane said the suspects allegedly created fictitious SASSA accounts, allowing them to withdraw funds illicitly from various supermarkets across Gauteng.
In the wake of the arrests, SASSA temporarily closed its Johannesburg Local Office at 1 De Villiers Street from 15 September 2025 to tighten internal controls, strengthen oversight mechanisms and enhance fraud prevention systems.
The agency confirmed that the office has since reopened and is fully operational.
During the closure, SASSA implemented alternative service arrangements to ensure beneficiaries continued receiving essential social assistance services without interruption. Staff and services were redeployed to key sites across Johannesburg and surrounding areas to minimise disruption.
SASSA Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou, said the dismissals send a strong message about accountability within the agency.
“The dismissal of five officials implicated in this matter sends a clear and unequivocal message that SASSA will not tolerate fraud or corruption in any form. Accountability is non-negotiable, and any official found guilty of misconduct will face decisive consequences. We remain committed to strengthening our systems to protect public resources and uphold the integrity of the agency,” he said.
Matlou also thanked stakeholders, clients and the broader community for their patience during the temporary closure, adding that the Johannesburg office is now ready to continue serving beneficiaries “with efficiency, dignity and professionalism”.
SASSA reiterated that all its services are provided free of charge and urged members of the public to report any suspected fraud or corruption.
Cape Times