The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the arrest and subsequent prosecution of four Eastern Cape businessmen for defrauding the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) more than R2 million.

Businessmen Mr. Vusumzi Rapiya, Mr. Aubrey Gqezengele, Mr. Mzamo Pono and Mrs. Noxolo Pono in their capacities as directors of A & V Holdings and SUV & Spokie Trading, on Friday, 5 November 2021 appeared in the East London Specialised Commercial Crime Court on charges of fraud and corruption. The case was postponed to 6 December 2021 and the bail was set at R1000 per person.

The prosecution of the four businessmen by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) follows an intensive investigation conducted by the SIU together with the Hawks in SASSA, which uncovered that four service providers colluded with SASSA project manager for Local Office Improvement Project (LOIP) in the process of planning and construction of KwaNobuhle SASSA Office in the Eastern Cape to defraud SASSA. SIU investigation revealed that the four service providers invoiced SASSA and were paid despite no work being done. More arrests are expected in this investigation and other related SASSA matters.

The SIU was, in terms of Proclamation No. R. 37 of 2019, directed by the President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of corruption, malpractice, and maladministration in the affairs of the SASSA and any related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by SASSA. The investigation focused on the fleet management of the SASSA within the Eastern Cape Region; fuel fleet card management of the SASSA within the Eastern Cape Region and KwaZulu-Natal Region; asset management of the SASSA within the Eastern Cape Region; and contract management of the SASSA in respect of persons appointed by the SASSA as Family Finders within the Limpopo Region.

In line with SIU Act 74 of 1996, the SIU referred evidence pointing to criminal action to the NPA and the Hawks for further action.

Two of the four service providers have signed Acknowledgement of Debt (AoD’s) with the SIU, committing to pay back the money which was fraudulently claimed and received. The signing of AOD is not a substitute or immunity from criminal prosecution.

The SIU is working closely with the NPA and Hawks in this regard and will continue to work together to ensure that all role players identified through SIU investigations in the alleged crimes at SASSA are held accountable.

Fraud and corruption allegations may be reported via the following platforms: [email protected](link sends e-mail) / Hotline: 0800 037 774

Issued by Kaizer Kganyago, SAPA, 8 November 2021