The IFP can confirm this morning that it has received confirmation that a new syndicate is targeting SASSA/SAPO grant recipients.
This comes after reports that there is widespread cloning of the new SASSA/SAPO, card especially in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
However, the problem is nationwide.
The latest SASSA scam has left hundreds of vulnerable citizens without their basic monthly lifeline and with nowhere to turn to.
To make matters worse, it is reported that neither SASSA nor SAPO is willing to assist those who have come forward to their offices to seek help. Little information has been made available to grant recipients about the latest scam.
This morning, the IFP received confirmation that SASSA is aware of the problem. That it does appear to be a syndicate at work & that SASSA is working very closely with the Hawks to deal with the matter.
In the meantime, anyone affected must complete an affidavit and submit this together with a certified copy of their ID and both sides of the SASSA/SAPO card in their possession.
These can be done at the post office.
Cases are then registered & SAPO has to refund those affected, after they have done an investigation.
The IFP calls on both state bodies to urgently put in place measures to properly communicate this information to those affected by the scam.
At affected offices, cancellations and the re-issue of cards should be done without delay.
Investigations and refunds should be completed as a matter of urgency. The most vulnerable are going hungry as yet another investigation drags its feet.
The IFP maintains that time and time again government has placed at risk the stability and the integrity of the grant system, which demonstrates little care for the most vulnerable in our society. Our grant recipients, the most vulnerable in our society deserve better.
Finally, the IFP hopes that this latest scam is something SASSA and SAPO is able to arrest and correct immediately, otherwise it has the potential to become yet another full scale SASSA crisis.
Contact:
Ms Liezl van der Merwe MP
IFP Spokesperson on Social Development
082 729 2510
OR
Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP
IFP National Spokesperson
071 111 0539
