Sixty-five government officials in the Western Cape will appear in court this week on charges relating to defrauding the social grant system.
”On Tuesday and Wednesday, 65 officials will appear in court at the Athlone District Court, from 9am,” read a joint statement issued by the Department of Social Development and the special investigating unit on Monday.
”The department considers prosecuting these officials as a statement of determination to ensuring that only the legitimate and needy beneficiaries receive grants.”
The statement added that the majority of cases relate to child-support grants.
”The Department has saved approximately R1 323 000 as a result of the termination of the payment of the grants to these 65 officials.
”This firm stance is being actioned following the commitment made by the Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya, to continue to clamp down on unscrupulous operators targeting benefits meant for the poor.”
The statement warned that there will be operations similar to the one in which the Western Cape officials were arrested in other provinces in the coming months. — Sapa