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[File photo] An empty court room
The R260 million SASSA fraud case against 11 individuals is set to resume in the Lenasia Magistrates court south of Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The accused, which include SASSA employees, face more than 1000 counts of cybercrime, fraud, and theft. It’s alleged they created fake profiles and committed identity fraud in order to withdraw funds from SASSA pay points.
The SASSA fraud case is scheduled to resume this week with the accused continuing with their bail application. The 11 individuals before court stand accused of allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated scheme to defraud the social grant payment agency of money meant to support South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens.
The case, which first made headlines in 2024, has faced multiple postponements. During their last court appearance, the defence requested additional time to review the state’s voluminous evidence, which includes forensic audits, intercepted communications, and detailed bank records.
The court granted the postponement, citing the complexity of the case and the accused’s right to a fair hearing.
Among the accused are former senior managers within SASSA, who allegedly exploited their positions to divert funds into ghost accounts.
During the last appearance, several of the accused argued that the ongoing delays were infringing on their rights, with some citing personal hardships, including financial strain and health concerns.
Their legal teams insisted that their clients maintain their innocence and questioned the strength of the state’s evidence, claiming the case against them was based largely on circumstantial material.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is now ready to present critical witness testimony, which could prove pivotal to the state’s case.
Public interest remains high, with many South Africans demanding swift justice to restore trust in the embattled agency.
Proceedings are expected to move forward with the continuation of the bail application and the possible setting of a trial date. All eyes will be on the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court when the case resumes this week.
WATCH: SASSA fraud suspects back in court tomorrow
