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Grant beneficiaries urged to replace expiring SASSA Gold Cards

Location: News

Grant beneficiaries urged to replace expiring SASSA Gold Cards

Cabinet has called on all social grant beneficiaries to replace their South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Gold Cards with the new Postbank Black Cards by the 20 March 2025 deadline.

In a statement on Friday, Cabinet said this is to ensure that beneficiaries continue to access their SASSA grant payments without disruption.

“Social grant beneficiaries can go to their nearest Postbank site located at retailers such as Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, Usave, and Boxer to get their Postbank Black Card," Cabinet said.

After the 20 March 2025 deadline - which was extended from the initial 28 February deadline - SASSA Gold Cards will no longer function at ATMs and retailers. 

The call follows concerns among grant recipients about the looming expiry of the SASSA Gold Cards and potential payment delays. 

Postbank, which administers the social grant payment system, has however assured beneficiaries that the transition to the new Postbank Black Card is simple and free of charge.

The move is part of Postbank’s broader efforts to modernise and secure the grant payment system, following past disruptions caused by fraud, card cloning, and system failures. 

By migrating to the new cards, beneficiaries can expect improved security and reliability when accessing their grants.

Postbank has deployed additional support at designated retailers and SASSA offices to assist with the replacement process, urging beneficiaries to make the switch before the deadline to avoid any inconvenience.

The agency has previously said that Postbank has also made it easy for beneficiaries to locate the nearest place in every province where they can collect their Postbank Black Cards. 

All they need to do from the comfort of their homes is to use their cellphone and: 

  • Dial: *120*218*3#
  • To continue, reply by pressing number: 1; and
  • Reply with the number representing the province they live in.

To get the new Postbank Black Cards, beneficiaries are required to have a valid South African ID, or a temporary ID. Beneficiaries are urged to be aware that no card will be issued without these documents. 

Ensuring that minimum documentation is required to get the new Postbank Black Cards is in line with SASSA and Postbank's ongoing commitment to continuously improve the customer experience of all social grant beneficiaries.

The Postbank Black Cards will be issued free of charge. For further enquiries, beneficiaries can contact Postbank on 0800 53 54 55 or SASSA on 0800 60 10 11. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 02/21/2025 - 11:21
 324 views

Read moreGrant beneficiaries urged to replace expiring SASSA Gold Cards

East London man sentenced for RAF fraud

Location: News

East London man sentenced for RAF fraud

The East London Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation  unit, in collaboration with the Road Accident Fund (RAF), has helped to secure the conviction of Solomon Ndika-Ndika (59) for fraud. 

Ndika-Ndika was sentenced to five years' direct imprisonment by the East London Regional Court on 14 February 2025.

Ndika-Ndika was initially arrested on 7 November 2023 and released on warning the following day. His case stemmed from a claim filed with the RAF on 29 January 2016. He stipulated that on 7 October 2014, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident, as he was traveling from Elliot towards Cala. 

Ndika-Ndika further divulged that during the time, an oncoming vehicle approached him. When he tried to avoid the accident, his car overturned, and he sustained injuries. 

During the claim processing, RAF picked up discrepancies between documents that were submitted by Ndika-Ndika and the police report. RAF repudiated the claim and referred the matter to the Hawks for a thorough probe. 

A comprehensive investigation by the Hawks revealed that through misrepresentation made by Ndika-Ndika, RAF nearly suffered a loss of more than R1.6 million.

Ndika-Ndika made numerous court appearances until his sentencing by the East London Regional court on 14 February 2025. 

He was sentenced to undergo five years direct imprisonment with no option of a fine. Furthermore, Ndika-Ndika was declared unfit to possess a firearm. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 02/17/2025 - 12:13
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Read moreEast London man sentenced for RAF fraud

Over Half of Africans Fear Financial Losses From Cybercrime, Survey Finds

Location: News
KnowBe4

According to a recent survey conducted by KnowBe4 AFRICA (www.KnowBe4.com), 58% of respondents are very concerned about cybercrime, a figure which has almost doubled from 29% in 2023. Fear of online fraud and losing money remain their top concern, given the increasing sophistication of AI-assisted cyberthreats.

The cybersecurity landscape in Africa is rapidly evolving and presents both significant challenges and opportunities (http://apo-opa.co/3EK2IH1). Africa has seen a notable increase in cybercrime (http://apo-opa.co/434M677), with ransomware, digital extortion and online scams being particularly prevalent. South Africa, for instance, lost $3 billion to digital banking and mobile app crime in 2023, according to the SA Banking Risk Information Centre (http://apo-opa.co/4k4oUvu). Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods, including AI-generated content (http://apo-opa.co/434M677) to impersonate officials and executives, while social engineering attacks become more advanced.

In response to these concerns, KnowBe4 conducted a survey to determine how prepared Africans are for cybersecurity threats. This survey, which has been done annually since 2019, polled 800 adults across seven African countries: Morocco, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Kenya and Botswana. “The goal of the survey was to assess respondents' cybersecurity awareness, digital habits and online security practices,” says Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA. “Many challenges remain the same, but some are new, such as the alarming rise of deepfake technology.”

Increased adoption of mobile banking

One of the survey's key findings is that the Africans are more concerned about cybercrime than they were two years ago (http://apo-opa.co/4k0SAK8). The percentage of respondents who said they were “very concerned” about cybercrime almost doubled to 58% in 2025, compared to 29% in 2023 [1]. Fear of online fraud and losing money remained their top concern.

Another important insight is that the use of smart phones in Africa is on the rise. Mobile data usage increased from 71% in 2023 to 75% in 2025. Added to this was the fact that the use of mobile financial services, both for payments and banking, increased significantly from 63% to 85%. “The rise in mobile banking and payments indicates greater financial inclusion through digital means, which is generally positive for economic development in Africa,” asserts Collard. “However, an increase in mobile banking and payments also increases the attack surface for cybercriminals, which underscores the importance of mobile-centric security education.”

WhatsApp for work

A further interesting trend is that although WhatsApp is traditionally used for sharing messages with friends and family, work-related usage of WhatsApp increased slightly from 89% in the previous poll to 93% in this year's survey. Other popular apps used by respondents for work were email, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Zoom.

“The increase in WhatsApp usage for work shows a further blurring of lines between users' personal and professional lives,” comments Collard. “This can lead to increased risks, as personal devices may not have the same level of security as corporate-managed devices.”

Privacy concerns are fading

A worrying trend that emerged is the level of ease with which African users give away their personal information. The percentage of respondents “very unlikely” to give away personal information almost halved from 29% in 2023 to 14% in 2025. The survey found that 14% of respondents are comfortable sharing personal information, with 8% saying they are likely to do so if they can get something in return, such as a discount, and 6% saying they share personal information all the time.

“This is a concerning trend and reveals the need for more training on personal security,” asserts Collard. “This is further emphasised by the lack of understanding among respondents about what constitutes a strong password and multi-factor authentication.” Understanding of strong passwords slightly decreased from 62% in 2023 to 58% in 2025, while comprehension of multi-factor authentication remained stable at around 58%.

“The latest survey aims to identify key vulnerabilities that should be a priority for individuals, organisations and policy makers,” states Collard. She believes the survey highlights areas that should be addressed in 2025 to achieve strong and strategic cybersecurity. “Despite increased concern about cybercrime among the survey's respondents, there are still gaps in knowledge and practice that need to be addressed to improve overall cybersecurity posture across the continent,” she concludes.

To read the full KnowBe4 African Cybersecurity & Awareness Report 2025, click here (http://apo-opa.co/3X4alhO).

[1] No survey was conducted in 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

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Read moreOver Half of Africans Fear Financial Losses From Cybercrime, Survey Finds

SBG SI Trader – BEWARE

Location: Business

Recently, a fraudulent WhatsApp group has been circulating on social media, claiming affiliation with an investment app called SBG SI Trader. This app falsely professes connections with Standard Bank, SBG Securities, and other related platforms, including SBG Securities OST. It also mentions the banks FSCA operating license and an employee of the group, David Hodnett. …

Read moreSBG SI Trader – BEWARE

Seven officials arrested for fraudulently issuing driver’s licences

Location: News

Seven officials arrested for fraudulently issuing driver’s licences

Seven officials between the ages of 37 and 62 were arrested on Monday for allegedly issuing learners and driver's licences without following proper procedures in return for gratification at the Thabazimbi Traffic Department in Limpopo.

The suspects were arrested in a joint operation by the Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation unit and the National Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) as part of Operation Combination to combat fraud and corruption related to the issuing of driving licences.

In 2021, an intensive investigation was launched to identify officials who were issuing learners and driver's licences without following proper procedures in return for gratification. 

“The total number arrested in connection with alleged corruption and fraud at Lephalale licensing department stands at 11. Seven more arrests were conducted over the weekend and all suspects made their first appearance on Monday.

“The Hawks seized gadgets believed to contain information that could be helpful to the investigation. The team is still busy with the operation to address fraud and corruption related offences within Limpopo Province. More arrests are imminent,” the RTMC said.

The suspects that were arrested on Monday will appear in court soon.

Limpopo Acting Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Desmond Alexander, applauded the team for making arrests while RTMC CEO Advocate Makhosini Msibi welcomed the arrests as a sign of government’s commitment to address all key factors that lead to road crashes and fatalities on  South African roads.

“Fraud and corruption related to the issuing of driver’s licences is one of the issues that undermine government’s efforts to improve road safety,” Msibi said. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 15:20

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Read moreSeven officials arrested for fraudulently issuing driver’s licences

SONA in numbers – 2025

Location: News

SONA in numbers - 2025

MOURNING

  • 14 – South African soldiers who died as part of a mission to bring peace to the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

HISTORY

  • 70 – years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter at the Congress of the People in Kliptown.
  • 30 – years since the dawn of democracy.

ECONOMY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

  • 5 – number of years for the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan.
  • 3 – government’s strategic priorities to be advanced by the Medium-Term Development Plan.
  • Over 3% – the level of economic growth that government aims to lift to create the virtuous cycle of investment, growth and jobs.
  • R100 billion – value of infrastructure financing expected from local and international financial institutions and investors.
  • More than R940 billion – money that government will spend on infrastructure over the next three years.
  • 3 – number of years during which government will spend more than R940 billion on infrastructure.
  • R375 billion – money to be spent by state-owned companies on infrastructure.
  • 12 – blended finance projects worth nearly R38 billion that have been approved through the Infrastructure Fund last year.
  • Nearly R38 billion – value of 12 blended finance projects that have been approved through the Infrastructure Fund last year.

WATER

  • 490 million – cubic metres of water a year that the Polihlali Dam will feed from the Lesotho Highlands into the Vaal River System. 
  • R23 billion – money secured by the Infrastructure Fund for seven large water infrastructure projects.
  • 7 – large water infrastructure projects for which the Infrastructure Fund has secured R23 billion.

ENERGY

  • More than 300 – days without load-shedding since March 2024.
  • Over 13 billion – United States dollars that have been pledged by the international community to the Just Energy Transition.

VISA

  • Over 90% – the backlog of more than 300 000 visa applications that government has cleared.
  • More than 300 000 – visa applications of over 90% of the backlog that government has cleared.

BUSINESS FUNDING AND JOB CREATION

  • R20 billion – value of a transformation fund a year over the next five years that government will set up to fund black-owned and small business enterprises.
  • Over 10 000 – persons with disabilities to be empowered by the National Skills Fund Disabilities Programme through tailored training programmes, stipends and specialised tools.
  • Almost 2.2 million – work and livelihood opportunities created by the Presidential Employment Stimulus through innovative models that provide high-quality work to participants.
  • Over 80 000 – jobs created by the Social Employment Fund in 2025.
  • More than 12 000 – participants supported by the Social Employment Fund to enter entrepreneurial activities.

TOURISM

  • Close to 9 million – tourists who visited South Africa last year.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND EMPLOYMENT

  • 235 000 – work opportunities secured by young people during the past year through the National Pathway Management Network, which is underpinned by the SAYouth.mobi platform.
  • Some 4.5 million – young people registered on the SAYouth.mobi platform.
  • Around 60% – value of the national budget that government spends on the social wage: on health, education, social protection, community development and public employment programmes.

SOCIAL ASSISTANCE AND EDUCATION

  • More than 28 million – unemployed and vulnerable people who receive social grants.
  • More than 10.5 million – learners who go to public schools where they do not have to pay fees.
  • Over 900 000 – students from poor and working-class backgrounds who received funding to study at universities and colleges in 2024.
  • 10 – key priorities of the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children. 
  • 87% – learners who passed their matric exams.
  • Approximately 10 000 – students in the first year to be supported through Phase 1 of the Comprehensive Student Funding Model for Higher Education to address the needs of the “missing middle”.

HEALTH

  • 3 – existing old central hospitals to be replaced.
  • 3 – new central hospitals to be constructed.
  • 5 – new district hospitals to be constructed.
  • 5  – community health centres to be constructed.
  • 1 – a new psychiatric hospital to be constructed.
  • 96% – people living with HIV who knew their status, by the end of March 2024.
  • 79% – people on antiretroviral treatment among the 96% of people living with HIV who knew their status, by the end of March 2024.
  • 94% – people on antiretroviral treatment, among the 96% of people living with HIV who knew their status by the end of March 2024, who were virally suppressed.
  • 1.1 million – additional HIV-positive people not on antiretroviral treatment that government will look for to ensure that South Africa reaches its target of 95-95-95.
  • 90 – days during which the United States Government has decided to suspend some of its funding for HIV and TB programmes in African countries.
  • About 17% – the value of funding from the United States Government to South Africa’s HIV spend.

HOUSING

  • 300 000 – serviced stands to be provided to qualifying beneficiaries to enable housing development in well-planned, connected communities along key development corridors.

RAIL TRANSPORT

  • More than 80% – passenger rail corridors that have been returned to service.
  • Over 200 – locally-produced trains that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has introduced on its network to provide a low-cost option for public transport.
  • Over the next five years – period during which government will restore the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s signalling system.

CRIME AND CORRUPTION

  • 4 000 – personnel to expand the Detective Service through internal recruitment processes.
  • Over R95 billion – value of leakage in impermissible refunds that the South African Revenue Service prevented by using artificial intelligence in its fraud risk detection and verification work.
  • R20 billion – amount recovered by the South African Revenue Service.
  • Over R10 billion – money recovered by the Special Investigating Unit and Asset Forfeiture Unit in state capture related cases.
  • 16 out of 22 – action items that government has fully addressed in the law-enforcement system to secure the removal of South Africa from the international Financial Action Task Force grey list.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

  • 65 – Thuthuzela Care Centres across the country.
  • 52 – districts in the country.
  • 44 – districts, out of 55 districts in the country, which have gender-based violence shelters.
  • 16 – additional sexual offences courts to be established in the next financial year.

VISION

  • Next 30 years – period of a vision for the country to be defined by all South Africans coming together in the National Dialogue.

 

Janine
Sat, 02/08/2025 - 09:11

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Read moreSONA in numbers – 2025

Government intensifying Operation Shanela

Location: News

Government intensifying Operation Shanela

President Cyril Ramaphosa says government is intensifying Operation Shanela which has been successful in arresting suspects, recovering firearms and seizing stolen vehicles.

Through Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken a bold and decisive approach to dealing with crime in the country through tracking and tracing operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, as well as stop and searches.

All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.

“We must tackle the scourge of gun violence that has plagued our society for decades,” President Ramaphosa said, adding that he had asked the Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the National Commissioner of Police General Fannie Masemola to prioritise reducing gun-related crime and violence. 

“This includes preventing the diversion of firearms into the illicit market and recovering illegal firearms in circulation. We know from international evidence and our own experience that this is the most effective way to reduce overall violent crime.”

The President said this when he delivered the State of the Nation Address at the Cape Town City Hall this evening.

He said the SAPS had partnered with the metropolitan municipalities and was working with communities to fight crime in the priority provinces where crime was particularly high.

“We want a nation in which everyone is safe. The police continue to work with other law enforcement agencies to dismantle organised crime syndicates and combat financial and violent crimes,” President Ramaphosa said.

The Detective Service, which is crucial to solving cases, will be expanded by 4 000 personnel through internal recruitment processes.

“We are working on adopting surveillance, analytics and smart policing solutions for modern law enforcement. 

“We have seen the value of technology in fighting crime. By using AI in its fraud risk detection and verification work, SARS has prevented the leakage of over R95 billion in impermissible refunds, recovered R20 billion in revenue and dismantled an illicit tobacco and gold scheme,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa said government continues to work across society to end the violence that is perpetrated against women.

“We have promulgated the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act, establishing a national structure to oversee a coordinated response to this crisis,” President Ramaphosa said.

Government, he said, would ensure that the Council is fully functional and properly resourced.

“We continue to strengthen support to victims of gender-based violence. There are now 65 Thuthuzela Care Centres across the country. Out of 52 districts in the country, 44 have GBV shelters,” the President said.

All police stations in the country have victim friendly services, and another 16 sexual offences courts will be established in the next financial year.

Touching on corruption, President Ramaphosa said this year, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development would report on the review of the anti-corruption architecture by the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council.

“This is expected to streamline legislation, eradicate the duplication of mandates and foster greater cooperation between law enforcement agencies. We will finalise the whistleblower protection framework and introduce the Whistleblower Protections Bill in Parliament during this financial year.

“This year, we will strengthen South Africa’s system to combat money laundering and terror financing with further legislative and system improvements,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Edwin
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 22:32

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Read moreGovernment intensifying Operation Shanela

President signs four proclamations authorising corruption investigations

Location: News

President signs four proclamations authorising corruption investigations

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed four new proclamations authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration and corruption at Ithala Development Finance Corporation, the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality, Llepele-Nkumpi Local Municipality and Greater North Transport.

Ithala Development Finance Corporation

Proclamation 243 of 2025 authorises the SIU to investigate serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of the Ithala Development Finance Corporation situated in KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on tendering for the supply, implementation, and maintenance of an integrated banking solution.

The probe will determine if contract payments adhered to national treasury guidelines were irregular, wasteful, or led to financial losses for the department or state. 

The SIU will also investigate any unlawful conduct by Ithala employees or officials that may have resulted in improper benefits.

“Furthermore, the investigation will assess whether fraudulent actions occurred, identify any resultant losses or damages, and examine any irregular or unlawful behaviour by Ithala employees or other entities.

“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2017 and 31 January 2025, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2017 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts,” said the SIU.

Greater Kokstad Local Municipality

Proclamation 244 of 2025 directs the SIU to probe two tenders by the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. These tenders are:

  • For the appointment of a service provider to supply and renew software licences for three years.
  • For the appointment of a service provider to supply customer care and IT service desk solutions. 

The SIU said the probe will examine whether the procurement and contracting were made in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective or in violation of applicable legislation, guidelines, or instructions from the National or Provincial Treasury. 

This includes the municipality or the state’s unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure. 

The probe will also look at any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, its suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity implicated. 

The proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2022 and 31 January 2025, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2022 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts.

Llepele-Nkumpi Local Municipality

Proclamation 243 of 2025 mandates the SIU to investigate serious maladministration in the affairs of Llepele-Nkumpi Local Municipality in Limpopo Province regarding procuring and contracting for goods, works or services for six contracts. The contracts under investigation are:

  • Tender relating to professional services for the closure and rehabilitation plan of the old dumping site in Zone A.
  • The award of contracts in or about August 2015 for the electrification of Rakgoatha Village Extension, Mapatjakeng Village Extension and Motserereng Village Extension.
  • The award of a contract in or about June 2016 for upgrading the access road from Units S to Q.
  • The award of a contract in or about June 2016 for constructing the Madisha Ditoro small access bridge and upgrading internal streets and stormwater drains (phase 1) in Rakgoatha.
  • The award of a contract in or about April 2016 for tarring 9 km of internal streets in Rockville and Unit S, Lebowakgomo.

The contract was awarded in or about December 2013 for refurbishing the Lebowakgomo Civic Centre.

  • The contract was awarded in or about December 2013 for refurbishing the Lebowakgomo Civic Centre.

Greater North Transport

Proclamation 246 of 2025 authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption in eight contracts and maladministration in six contracts at the Greater North Transport (GNT) in Limpopo Province. 

The SIU will investigate the allegations of corruption of board members, officials or employees of the GNT or contractors, suppliers or service providers for the following tenders:

  • Appointment of Raletjena Technologies and Trading (Pty) Ltd.
  • extension of a contract between the GNT and Group 4 Security (Fidelity Cash Management) (Pty) Ltd.
  • Appointment of Scania South Africa (Pty) Ltd to provide repair and maintenance services to the GNT.
  • Procurement of 150 busses from Mercedes Benz South Africa (Pty) Ltd
  • Procurement of 87 80-seater busses from MAN Truck and Bus South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
  • Appointment of BB Truck and Tractor Services (Pty) Ltd to provide repair and maintenance services to the GNT.
  • Procurement of legal services.
  • Procurement of a fleet management system.

Furthermore, the SIU will also probe allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the GNT and any losses or prejudice suffered by the GNT or the State as a result of such maladministration concerning:

  • Fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the GNT as a result of interest payments made to Africa Oil (Pty) Ltd;
  • A settlement agreement concluded with Umvuzo Energy (Pty) Ltd
  • The mismanagement of diesel supplies.
  • The failure to collect the debt that was due and owing to the GNT
  • An agreement was entered into between the GNT and emerging bus operators.

The probe will also examine whether the payments for these contracts adhered to national treasury guidelines and ascertain whether the payments were irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures or financial losses for the department or the state. 

Furthermore, the SIU will seek to establish if there was unlawful or improper conduct by the department employees, officials, agents, and any other person or entity to corruptly or unduly benefit themselves or others.

The investigation will also at whether fraudulent conduct occurred, including the causes of such maladministration, any losses, damages, or prejudice actually or potentially suffered by the department or the state, and any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of the department or any other person or entity.

The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 January 2002 and 31 January 2025, as well as any related activities before 1 January 2002 and after the date of the proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts.

Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU said it was committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.

Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 02/04/2025 - 10:12

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Read morePresident signs four proclamations authorising corruption investigations

Seven officials sentenced for issuing fraudulent roadworthy certificates

Location: News

Seven officials sentenced for issuing fraudulent roadworthy certificates

Seven private vehicle testing station officials have been sentenced by the Polokwane Commercial Crimes Court for fraudulently issuing roadworthy certificates to vehicles that were never tested. 

The suspects appeared in court last week, where they were sentenced to five-year imprisonment or R20 000 fine.

The officials were found guilty of 51 charges of fraud related to transactions conducted at the Palala private testing station in Lephalale in 2019.

They were arrested in 2019, following investigations by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), a division of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), and the serious corruption team of the Hawks.

The investigation follows the South African Revenue Service concerns raised in April 2019 about the vehicles they had impounded at a facility in Mpumalanga. The vehicles were found to have been issued roadworthy certificates by the Palala testing station without being physically presented for testing.

“An investigation was immediately launched. When the investigation team visited the station, they found the officials processing roadworthy certificates for vehicles that were not present at the station. They were immediately arrested and charged with fraud alternatively contravening the National Road Traffic Act,” RTMC said on Friday.

The accused were found guilty on July 31, 2024, and appeared in court again on Wednesday, where they were sentenced.

The seven officials include Pieter Frederick Francoois Schutte (68), Marisca Erasmus (34), Lebogang Rapetsoa (30), Democracy Vhutolo Khangale (36) Thapelo Kgositsile Medupi (42), Makwena Silas Mashala (34) and Mphokane Nicol Medupi (41).

“The RTMC welcomes that sentence as it sends a message that there are consequences for crime irrespective of whether it is committed at a privately owned company. The seven will not be able to work at any testing station in South Africa again. 

“However, the RTMC would have preferred a custodial sentence because unroadworthy vehicles are a menace on the country’s road causing avoidable crashes and fatalities.”

Mpumalanga officer sentences to four years over R200 bribe

Meanwhile, a Mpumalanga traffic officer was recently sentenced to four years' direct imprisonment for accepting a R200 bribe from undercover anti-corruption agents.

This followed a sting operation organised by the NTACU and the Mpumalanga division of the Hawks in 2019, to target traffic officers coercing motorists into paying bribes on the N4 near Middelburg.

Zanele Christian Vilakazi (39) and Andrew Bongani Simphiwe Nkosi (48), were arrested during the operation and charged with corruption. 

After a protracted trial, the court found them guilty and handed down a four-year custodial sentence. Unfortunately, Nkosi passed away before the trial’s conclusion, while Vilakazi began serving her sentence earlier this month, the RTMC confirmed. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 09:20

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Read moreSeven officials sentenced for issuing fraudulent roadworthy certificates

Hawks make significant progress in combatting serious crime

Location: News

Hawks make significant progress in combatting serious crime

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has made significant strides in tackling high-profile criminal cases, resulting in the arrest of over 1 400 suspects, who have since appeared in various courts across the country.

This achievement was highlighted during a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, where the DPCI (the Hawks) National Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, gave an update on the progress made in the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.

In the reporting period, a total of 1 452 suspects had been secured before various courts in the country, including 1 409 individuals and 43 corporate entities. Of these arrests, 451 were South Africans, while 958 were foreign nationals.

“These arrests targeted people involved in serious corruption, serious organised crime, serious commercial crime, including fraud, theft, money laundering, cybercrime, police killings, cash-in-transit robberies, other armed robberies, kidnapping for ransom, State capture, illegal mining, counterfeit goods, tax-related offences, COVID-19-related offences, drug trafficking and trafficking in persons,” Lebeya said.

He said out of the 1 452 suspects, 1 172 were secured by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), while the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) secured 234, and the Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) secured 46 suspects.

Lebeya shared the geographical distribution of arrests, which showed the highest number of the arrests were made in the North West, where 919 suspects were apprehended, followed by Gauteng with 116 arrests, KwaZulu-Natal with 106, Mpumalanga with 67, and the Western Cape with 57 suspects arrested.

Lebeya noted that the North West figures include 854 illegal mining cases that were allocated from Operation Vala Umgodi at Stilfontein, which added to 21 arrests from organised crime projects, known as Tarantula and Grumpyface operations. 

“During these arrests, 86 firearms and 3 617 rounds of ammunition were seized. Three clandestine drug laboratories, involving R37 713 500, were dismantled with four arrests,” Lebeya said.

The DPCI had secured 202 convictions during the same period, including 186 individuals and 16 corporate entities. Furthermore, 222 individuals (204 South Africans and 18 corporate entities), including those who were convicted before this quarter but not sentenced, were also sentenced.

Of the 204 convicts, 153 were South Africans, while 51 were foreign nationals.

“Most of these convictions and sentences were secured in the Gauteng province. Of these 222 sentenced convicts, the Serious Organised Crime Investigation secured 106, Serious Commercial Crime Investigation secured 86 and Serious Corruption Investigation secured 30. 

"Let me hasten to say that the Directorate has secured 32 life imprisonment sentences during this quarter,” Lebeya said.

Freezing and forfeiture orders issued

To ensure that crime does not pay, the Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) has contributed towards the issuing of a combined 96 freezing and forfeiture orders, amounting to R55 210 753-43.

In addition, Lebeya said an amount of R2 022 773-09 has been deposited into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA).

Digital forensics and ongoing investigations

Lebeya announced that the DPCI’s Digital Forensic Investigation Section has finalised the extraction and analysis of data evidence from 315 electronic devices.

The Priority Crime Management Centre (PCMC) has also received a total of 362 reports from telephone service providers for analysis in support of investigations.

Lebeya said at the beginning of the third quarter, the Directorate was handling 18 264 dockets with a monetary value of R1 026 817 012 597-38.

Of these, 5 616 dockets worth R111 332 466 767-03 and involving 12 607 accused, were still pending in the courts, with 1 836 under investigation, awaiting decisions from the National Prosecuting Authority on whether to prosecute or otherwise.

The Lieutenant General highlighted that the total success achieved by the DPCI on arrests, convictions and attachment of assets stood at 1 770. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 01/31/2025 - 15:25

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Read moreHawks make significant progress in combatting serious crime

SIU investigates Defence Department, KwaDukuza Municipality and Mpumalanga Education

Location: News

SIU investigates Defence Department, KwaDukuza Municipality and Mpumalanga Education

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is rolling up its sleeves in preparation to launch three separate investigations into the Department of Defence, the KwaDukuza Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, and the provincial Mpumalanga Department of Education.

The three investigations were given the green light by President Cyril Ramaphosa after he signed proclamations authorising the tender corruption related probes.

Department of Defence

The Department of Defence is under the SIU’s investigative microscope for allegations of “serious maladministration” related to two tenders.

These tenders relate to inventory verification, continuous asset verification, and the supply, delivery, installation and commissioning of an asset management system.

“The probe will also examine whether the payments for these contracts adhered to national treasury guidelines and ascertain whether the payments were irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures or financial losses for the department or the state,” the SIU said.

The probe will also hone in on department employees to “establish if there was unlawful or improper conduct” by the employees, officials or agents and any other person or entity to “corruptly or unduly benefit themselves or others”. 

“The investigation will also look at whether fraudulent conduct occurred, including the causes of such maladministration, any losses, damages, or prejudice actually or potentially suffered by the Department or the State, and any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of the Department or any other person or entity,” the corruption busting unit said.

Mpumalanga Department of Education

The SIU has set its sights on probing six contracts related to the “procurement and contracting for the supply of foodstuff for six schools in the province.

Investigations will assess whether the department followed National Treasury guidelines and if any irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditures or financial losses were incurred.

“Furthermore, the SIU will seek to establish if there was unlawful or improper conduct by the department employees, officials, agents, and any other person or entity to corruptly or unduly benefit themselves or others.

“The investigation will also at whether fraudulent conduct occurred, including the causes of such maladministration, any losses, damages, or prejudice actually or potentially suffered by the department or the State, and any irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by employees or officials of the department or any other person or entity,” the SIU said.

KwaDukuza Municipality

The probe into the KwaZulu-Natal-based municipality will investigate three infrastructure tenders issued by the municipality.

According to the proclamation, the tenders under investigation are:

  • Tender MN132/2018 - Panel of contractors for road rehabilitation for a 36 month contract;
  • Tender MN30/2019 - KwaDukuza Mall Bulk Supply; and
  • Tender MN240/2019 - KwaDukuza Mall Bulk Supply – construction of industrial 33/11 KV substation upgrade.

“The SIU probe will examine whether the procurement and contracting were made in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective or in violation of applicable legislation, guidelines, or instructions from the National or Provincial Treasury. This includes the municipality or the State’s unauthorised, irregular or wasteful expenditure. 

“The probe will also look at any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of the municipality, its suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity implicated,” the SIU said.

Holding wrongdoers to account

The SIU assured that any evidence of alleged criminal acts will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

“Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration,” the SIU concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 01/30/2025 - 11:16

321 views
Read moreSIU investigates Defence Department, KwaDukuza Municipality and Mpumalanga Education

Social Development reiterates commitment to improving SASSA services

Location: News

Social Development reiterates commitment to improving SASSA services

Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has pledged her support and commitment to improving South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) services during an engagement with the agency's senior managers at a strategic planning session in Cape Town. 

Tolashe on Tuesday expressed her heartfelt congratulations to the many social grant beneficiaries, who excelled in the 2024 matric exams. 

Of the 724 156 full-time learners who registered for the National Senior Certificate (NSC), 572 338 are social grant beneficiaries, representing 81% of the registered pupils in the education sector. 

These learners achieved a commendable pass rate of 86%. 

“This indicates that the investment government is making in the lives of poor and vulnerable children is yielding a positive impact in breaking intergenerational poverty," Tolashe said. 

Reflecting on recent achievements, the Minister highlighted key milestones and ongoing priorities. She committed to urgently addressing the issue of permanent leadership appointments and the shortage of personnel at most local offices. 

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the need for community-based engagements and outreach activities. 

“Our community is waiting for our immense intensification of community outreach, where we prioritise underserved areas to bring services closer to our people,” she reiterated. 

With regards to SASSA systems, Tolashe urged management to prioritise improving and modernising systems to improve accessibility, queue management and prevent fraud. 

In addition, the Minister has requested SASSA Acting CEO, Themba Matlou, to provide a plan that seeks to resolve the challenges of payment channels in rural areas by providing an alternative solution for payments. 

“We commit ourselves to work with [SASSA]... We are available at all times to address the challenges together. We all need to be solution-driven in our course to make changes to the lives of our people through concerted efforts,” the Minister said. 

SASSA is a national agency of government that administers South Africa's social security system, including distributing social grants on behalf of the Department of Social Development. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 01/22/2025 - 14:56

26 views
Read moreSocial Development reiterates commitment to improving SASSA services

Current Seasonal Scammer Tricks to Watch Out For

Location: Business

Consumers are facing heightened vulnerability as scammers exploit the changes they want to make in their lives at the beginning of the year. Whether it’s individuals struggling with unemployment after prolonged job searches, parents trying to find the right schools for their children, or school leavers pursuing higher education and career opportunities – scammers are …

Read moreCurrent Seasonal Scammer Tricks to Watch Out For

NSFAS organises resources for higher learning institutions

Location: News

NSFAS organises resources for higher learning institutions

While institutions are gearing up to welcome dozens of students to their campuses, both new and returning, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is currently preparing for the deployment of resources to institutions across all provinces.

NSFAS said the resources would include servicing administrators, student accommodation officials, as well as graduate interns.

“This is to ensure a smooth start of the 2025 academic year for our beneficiaries. NSFAS Circular 13 of 2024 sent to institutions on 07 January 2025, advised that as part of our student support plans, we will deploy officials to all institutions for a period of two months, from 13 January 2025 until 07 March 2025,” NSFAS said in a statement.

The scheme said it had concluded a graduate recruitment process and appointed graduate interns.

The interns will be deployed alongside the servicing administrators across different institutions to work with financial aid officials on bursary administration daily.

“The deployment and placement of these resources to institutions is aimed at ensuring that for the 2025 academic year, each institution has a resource tasked with assisting students with queries which need NSFAS’ attention. The recruited graduates are currently undergoing formal training,” the scheme said.

Applicants called to submit supporting documents

Meanwhile, NSFAS has called on students who applied for funding to submit supporting documents after receiving communication from the scheme.

“Applicants have 30 days to submit from the day of receiving communication. Applicants must not wait for the deadline, but should submit now,” NSFAS said.

To submit the requested documents, applicants must log into their myNSFAS portal and upload the documents.

“To track their application status, applicants can add NSFAS on WhatsApp 078 519 8006 or use USSD *120*67327# or via email info@nsfas.org.za,” NSFAS said.

The scheme reiterated that qualifying students must not pay any registration fee to the institutions of higher learning, until the process is complete, but “wait for communication from NSFAS on the final decision”.

NSFAS warned applicants against fraudsters who pretend to be NSFAS officials and urged them to report any suspicious messages or calls to the NSFAS ethics and fraud hotline on 0800 007 396.

For more information on NSFAS, applicants can visit https://my.nsfas.org.za/. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Mon, 01/20/2025 - 15:30

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Read moreNSFAS organises resources for higher learning institutions

Minister Ntshavheni Under Criminal Investigation

Location: News

Dear Editor Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, should be removed from Cabinet immediately, after the revelation that a Hawks investigation into her conduct as Municipal Manager of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, involving R2,5 million in tender corruption, is ready for prosecution. She cannot serve as Minister in this portfolio (or any), while under such a …

Read moreMinister Ntshavheni Under Criminal Investigation

All fraudulent COVID-19 SRD grants automatically canceled

Location: News

All fraudulent COVID-19 SRD grants automatically canceled

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Mpumalanga has announced the automatic cancellation of all fraudulent R370 COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant payments.

The SRD grant is administered in terms of app-section 32 of the Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act No. 13 of 2004) and is implemented with the concurrence of the Minister of Finance. The grant is meant for South African citizens, refugees, asylum seekers and special permit holders, who are between the ages of 18 and 60 years, who have insufficient means, who do not receive social grants on behalf of themselves, or who are not contributing to or eligible for Unemployment Insurance Fund payment, and have no financial support from any other source.

In a statement on Monday, the agency informed all beneficiaries that it is mandated to cancel all fraudulent grant payments, while emphasising its commitment to combatting fraud and ensuring that grants are paid to the rightful beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries, whose grants are cancelled due to suspected fraud, are allowed to reapply.

“SASSSA implemented this activity to ensure that the Agency pays social grants to the right people and avoid fraud.

“The agency is encouraging people to take responsibility to make sure that their identity numbers are not utilised for fraudulent activities. SASSA beneficiaries must ensure that they do not share their identity numbers with strangers to avoid becoming aiding fraudsters,” the Agency said. 

To manage these cases effectively, SASSA has deployed a team of well-trained officials assigned to deal with COVID-19 SRD grant cases.

Beneficiaries, who suspect fraudulent activity involving their grants, are encouraged to report it immediately via SASSA's toll-free hotline or WhatsApp service.

“Beneficiaries are encouraged to note that when they check their status and find out that it states “referred” it means that the SASSA system is suspecting fraudulent activity therefore the beneficiary must contact SASSA immediately to resolve the case,” the Agency said. 

SASSA also warned beneficiaries not to keep changing their banking details and contact numbers because those processes delay the payment processes.

For further assistance or information, beneficiaries can contact SASSA toll-free on 0800 60 10 11, or call 013 754 9428/9363 during working hours, Monday to Friday. WhatsApp inquiries can be directed to 082 046 8553. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 01/20/2025 - 10:01

26 views
Read moreAll fraudulent COVID-19 SRD grants automatically canceled

Public Cautioned Against Persons Claiming to Assist Investors Who Lost Funds Invested With Banxso (Pty) Ltd

Location: Business

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) warns the public to act with caution when dealing with persons claiming to assist investors who lost funds invested with Banxso (Pty) Ltd (Banxso). The FSCA received complaints from members of the public who advised that they were contacted by persons claiming to be investigating Banxso and that they …

Read morePublic Cautioned Against Persons Claiming to Assist Investors Who Lost Funds Invested With Banxso (Pty) Ltd