Rustenburg – A 42-year-old female grant administrator, who allegedly demanded a bribe of R3 000 to process a South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) old age grant application, has been arrested.
The suspect was arrested by the Hawks in Mogwase on Thursday, (6 March 2025), on charges of corruption.
Allegations are that last year, in December, a 63-year-old individual went to SASSA offices in Mogwase to apply for an old age pension grant.
Hawks Spokesperson Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse said the grant administrator, who assisted the potential grant recipient, allegedly unlawfully demanded R3 000 to process the application.
The applicant said he did not have the money.
The applicant was allegedly told by the suspect that he could pay the gratification when he received his first pension payout in February 2025.
The SASSA old age grant in South Africa is given to individuals who are 60 years or older and can no longer work and earn a salary.
The grant amount is R2 180 for those between 60 and 74, and R2 200 for those over 75.
The first pension payout was deposited in the SASSA applicant’s bank account in February 2025.
The SASSA grant administrator demanded the gratification.
Investigations revealed that the vulnerable 63-year-old applicant complied and sent his daughter to withdraw R2 000.
However, the SASSA grant administrator became agitated as she wanted the full amount of R3 000.
The victim and his daughter made further arrangements to pay the outstanding amount at the beginning of March 2025.
“The information landed in the ears of one of Rustenburg-based Hawks member who responded swiftly and registered an inquiry on the matter for preliminary investigation,” said Warrant Officer Malwetse.
“The information was operationalised, which led to the arrest of the suspect soon after receiving the money from the victim.”
The suspect will appear before Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Friday, (7 March 2025).
