Ten suspects — including eight SASSA officials — granted bail in multimillion-rand fraud case as court prepares for September hearing.
In one of the country’s most alarming public sector fraud scandals, ten of the eleven accused in the R260 million SASSA fraud case have been granted bail by the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court. The ruling came during the continuation of their bail hearing on Thursday, as the accused returned to court south of Johannesburg.
Key Developments: Bail Granted
According to Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the bail amounts for the ten released suspects ranged between R10,000 and R30,000. The court’s decision followed a detailed review of affidavits submitted by the investigating officer, Constable Manana, and Mazimela Kubeka, a senior SASSA internal investigator.
However, Abenezer Tilahyn, a foreign national from Ethiopia and the fourth accused in the matter, was denied bail. The court deemed him a flight risk, citing his foreign status and potential to evade justice. As a result, Tilahyn will remain in custody as investigations continue.
Bail Conditions Enforced
Mjonondwane confirmed that strict bail conditions have been imposed to maintain the integrity of the ongoing investigation. These include:
- Surrendering all travel documents
- No communication or interference with state witnesses
- Prohibition from accessing SASSA systems or facilities
She added that all implicated employees have been officially suspended by SASSA and no longer have access to any agency data or operational systems.
The Charges: Cybercrime, Fraud, and Theft
The accused face a catalogue of serious charges, including:
- Cybercrime
- Fraud
- Theft
Leading the group is Shumani Khwerana, along with Nkhensani Sharon Maluleke, Tshilidzi Ramaphosa, and eight others, who are confirmed to be current or former SASSA officials.
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The Alleged Scheme: Inside the R260 Million Fraud
According to the NPA and SASSA’s internal reports, the group allegedly executed a sophisticated digital fraud scheme. This involved:
- Creating fake SASSA profiles
- Illegally withdrawing funds from various SASSA pay points
- Orchestrating transactions totalling over R4 million through manipulated digital access
This elaborate system was reportedly designed to exploit vulnerabilities within SASSA’s IT and payment infrastructure.
Next Steps in the Case
The matter has been postponed to 2 September 2025 for further investigation, with the NPA affirming its determination to uphold justice.
“This development does not deter the NPA’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency within the public sector,” said Mjonondwane.
As the case unfolds, it continues to underscore concerns around state corruption, cyber vulnerabilities, and the importance of internal checks and balances within South Africa’s social grant system.
Also read: Cyril Ramaphosa Criticised for Shielding Corruption-Accused Ministers
