Sassa R4m fraud case latest: Court dismisses bail bid of accused
Jumping the gun: The bail bid of one of the 11 accused in the multimillion-rand Sassa fraud case has been dismissed by the high court.
The 11 accused in the R4 million Sassa fraud scheme appears at the Lenasia Magistrate's Court on 29 April 2025. Pictures: Gallo Images/ Fani Mahuntsi
The Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg dismissed the urgent bail application of Phumelele Myeza, one of the accused in the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) fraud case, on Thursday, 22 May.
The judgment comes after the defence approached the high court for the accused to be released on bail, arguing that the postponement period set by the Lenasia magistrate's court was excessively long and therefore irregular.
Myeza and her 10 co-accused—who include eight Sassa officials—have a pending and uncompleted bail application before the Lenasia Magistrate's Court. They face more than 1,000 charges ranging from cybercrime to fraud to identity theft.
Sassa fraud case: 'Complex scheme' of fake beneficiary profiles
The state alleges that the accused orchestrated a complex scheme involving the creation of fake Sassa profiles, into which more than R4 million was deposited.
They then allegedly used these profiles to withdraw large sums of money from various Sassa pay points.
ALSO READ: Sassa millions 'heist' in Rosebank underground car park
Multiple postponements
The case, which first made headlines in 2024, has faced multiple postponements.
'The court is expected to continue with the 11 accused's bail applications on 10 and 11 June 2025 and may set a trial date as the National Prosecuting Authority prepares to present key witness testimony,' stated NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane after the group's last appearance on 29 April 2025.
Witness interference?
The defence attorneys representing the Sassa employees alleged potential witness interference during the bail hearing, claiming a Sassa official had visited their clients in prison to ask them to sign documents.
State prosecutors, however, dismissed the allegations of witness interference, stating that the prison visit by Sassa officials was related to internal disciplinary processes rather than the criminal case.
'Complex scheme of fake Sassa profiles'
The state alleges that the accused orchestrated a complex scheme involving the creation of fake Sassa profiles, into which more than R4 million was deposited.
They then allegedly used these profiles to withdraw large sums of money from various Sassa pay points.
ALSO READ: Sassa grant: June payment dates and claims of 'double pay'
'No irregularities': Lack of evidence in Sassa fraud accused's bail bid
In opposing Myeza's bail bid on Thursday, Senior State Advocate Matshediso Phatlanyane emphasised that the accused prematurely approached the high court since the decision of the magistrate is pending.
She further stated that there were no irregularities upon which the high court could interfere.
Phatlanyane pointed out that the magistrate requested further evidence to be presented for her to make a decision.
This because – according to the state advocate – there was insufficient evidence before the high court for it to arrive at a decision.
The court concurred with the state, ruling that the applicant had not provided enough evidence for the high court to grant her bail, especially with a pending application in a lower court.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
261 arrested in Tshwane crime crackdown
A total of 261 suspects have been arrested in a sweeping, high-impact crime-combating initiative led by police under the banner of Operation Shanela in the Tshwane District. The multidisciplinary operation, which focused on the Sinoville and Villieria policing precincts, was spearheaded by Tshwane District Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine in collaboration with various law enforcement partners. The co-ordinated effort, executed on June 19, forms part of ongoing SAPS strategies to curb crime and enhance visibility in known hotspots. With intensified patrols, compliance inspections, and suspect tracing, law enforcement officers targeted criminal elements plaguing the northern parts of Tshwane. Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the operation yielded significant results. He said of the 261 suspects arrested, 187 were apprehended through detective work. These arrests include seven suspects for murder, three for attempted murder, nine for armed robbery, 30 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and six for rape. Van Dyk said road safety and immigration compliance were also in focus. A major roadblock, executed with support from tactical teams, led to the detention of 63 undocumented foreign nationals. The individuals are currently undergoing processing for possible court appearances and deportation. 'As part of proactive enforcement, 682 individuals and 306 vehicles were searched during the operation, with ownership of 14 vehicles verified. Officers also conducted patrols across 35 high-crime areas and premises, resulting in multiple arrests. 'One suspect was arrested for possession and dealing in dagga. Police recovered a shopping bag full of dagga, two compressed dagga balls, and 28 small bags of dagga, along with an undisclosed amount of cash,' said Van Dyk. He said another individual was taken into custody for possession of suspected stolen property. The suspect was found in possession of three TV sets, seven cellphones, two tablets, and two watches. He failed to provide a plausible explanation for the goods. Traffic law enforcement also formed a critical pillar of the operation. Tshwane traffic officers issued 160 AARTO infringement notices amounting to R72 600. Seven minibus taxis were impounded for various violations of the Road Traffic Act, and five pedestrians were fined for creating dangerous circumstances on the roads. Six premises were inspected, and two were shut down for failing to comply with the Liquor Act. Police confiscated over 127 litres of alcohol during the crackdown. Major-General Thine expressed appreciation for the dedication and co-operation of all SAPS members and stakeholders who participated in the operation. 'The collective efforts of our law enforcement family continue to bring tangible results in our fight against crime,' he said. ALSO READ: Collect your June SASSA grants from tomorrow Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The South African
21 hours ago
- The South African
YouTuber's family speaks on alleged kidnapping, abuse
Simthande Myeza's family has broken their silence about the YouTuber's alleged kidnapping at gunpoint and abuse on Tuesday, 17 June. The family claims that kidnappers abducted Myeza while he was travelling in an e-hailing vehicle in Durban. They allege that while en route, Myeza realised the car was taking a strange path and requested that the driver make a U-turn. As a result, the driver allegedly became agitated and stopped the car. Thereafter, two others approached them and held Myeza at gunpoint. In a statement released by the family, they claimed that one man blindfolded the YouTuber while the other tied his hands. This was before taking him to an unknown location. They further claim that the kidnappers accessed Myeza's phone and cleaned his bank account. 'Upon realising who he was, they went on to make phone calls to his family members, colleagues and friends and demanded a ransom. When they got the money, they stripped him off his clothes and took pictures and videos of him while forcing him to perform despicable acts,' said family spokesperson, Lomsongaka Myeza. The family also alleges that the kidnappers requested another ride for Myeza after asking him for his residential address. They also claim that the men said they would come after the YouTuber and his family should he 'do or say anything stupid'. Myeza remains in a safe place, surrounded by family and friends. The e-hailing company has been contacted for comment. Arrive Alive emphasises that new safety features are constantly being developed and enhanced to better protect passengers. The organisation urges users to share their trip details and estimated time of arrival with trusted family or friends. This is to ensure someone is aware of their whereabouts. Passengers are also encouraged to check the driver's rating and profile before starting any journey. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
The Herald
4 days ago
- The Herald
Fraud totalling R4.3m uncovered by Sassa in East Cape
News Premium By Nomazima Nkosi - 17 June 2025 The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has uncovered widespread corruption in its Eastern Cape offices involving thousands of missing files, fictitious children and fake pensioners, resulting in a loss of R4.3m. Officials have also received death threats, including bullets sent in envelopes...
