By Everson Luhanga
- Police arrested four suspects, including two current Sassa officials, on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, over alleged R4.9-million social grant fraud in Gauteng.
- Three suspects were arrested in Soshanguve and one in Heidelberg. All four are expected in the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
Four people, including two current South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) officials and one former official, have been arrested over alleged fraud worth R4.9-million.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Investigating Unit made the arrests on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, following a long investigation into the unlawful processing and approval of social grants.
One suspect was arrested at a workshop in Heidelberg. The other three were arrested in Soshanguve. All four are expected to appear in the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.
Sassa says the alleged offences break Section 21 of the Social Assistance Act and Regulation 10 of the Social Assistance Act, Act 13 of 2004.
Sassa acting regional executive manager in Gauteng, Godfrey Mohlamonyane, praised the police and the agency’s fraud and compliance unit.
“Officials who abuse their positions undermine public trust and deprive deserving beneficiaries of critical social assistance,” Mohlamonyane said. He said such conduct will face criminal prosecution and internal disciplinary action.
Mohlamonyane said protecting public funds remains a top priority and he hopes the arrests will deter others.
Sassa said it will strengthen internal controls and monitoring systems. The agency urged the public and staff to report suspected fraud to Sassa offices or law enforcement. Whistleblowers can report anonymously.
Pictured above: The Hawks.
Image source: Supplied
