Polokwane – A former male nurse, 63-year-old Malesela Jonas Mahlo, has pleaded guilty to defrauding the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) using fraudulent disability grant applications.
The illegal activities of Nurse Mahlo, who was based at Botlokwa Hospital, came under the spotlight when he was implicated in a fraud case opened at Botlokwa Police Station on 11 April 2024.
Investigations revealed that Nurse Mahlo built a reputation for assisting community members to successfully apply for SASSA disability grants, even when they did not qualify.
Further investigation by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit established that Nurse Mahlo not only filled in the SASSA disability grant application forms.
Nurse Mahlo also unlawfully signed the forms instead of a medical doctor, who was supposed to examine and assess the applicants.
A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and Nurse Mahlo was arrested last year, on 26 November, in Botlokwa.
Nurse Mahlo appeared before the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on 27 November 2025 and was freed on bail.
A few days ago, on 5 August 2026, Mahlo pleaded guilty to two counts of fraud and was sentenced to a R3 000 fine or eight months’ imprisonment.
Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, welcomed the sentence and commended the investigators for their dedication in ensuring that the matter was brought to court.
“Corruption undermines public trust and deprives deserving members of our communities of essential services,” said Lieutenant General Scheepers.
“The SAPS will continue to investigate corruption without fear or favour and ensure that those who abuse their positions for personal gain are held accountable.”
