Disappearance of PCs at agency a mystery

BARBERTON – The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) has vowed not to leave any stone unturned following the mysterious disappearance of computers at its offices in Umjindi.

The computers are said to contain classified and highly sensitive administrative information of social grants beneficiaries.
The motive for the robbery is still unknown because it happened in spite of the fact that two security officials were on guard at the premises.

Mabutane Security Services is contracted to oversee safety at the offices.
The incident happened last week shortly after Sassa started to address grant fraud committed by officials and beneficiaries.

Several officials have already been arrested for fraudulent grant payments and Umjindi is one of the offices currently under investigation.
The break-in was only discovered by employees the following morning when they reported for duty. It leaves unanswered questions about the vigilance of the security company. The premises is fenced with palisades making it difficult for anyone to gain entry.

Senzeni Ngubeni, Sassa spokesman, said the possibility of an inside job to conceal evidence could not be ruled out.
“Allegations of officials being implicated in fraudulent grant payments have been doing the rounds in our offices and are
being investigated,” said Ngubeni.

He said the investigation was being conducted by the special investigation unit (SIU) and the police.
“Since the SAPS investigation is taking too long, we have also roped SIU in to assist. We have given it all the information currently to our disposal. We are now awaiting feedback,” said Ngubeni.

The stolen items include two personal computers and a laptop.
Tutu Nkosi, police spokesman, said a case of housebreaking and theft was opened. “No one has been arrested as yet and we ask anyone who might have information about the perpetrators to come forward,” said Nkosi.
The value of the stolen items is estimated to be R20 000.