Thirty-one men and women were arrested at Springs Mall yesterday for loansharking. The provincial commercial branch, Springs SAPS, Sassa investigation unit and NCR investigation unit worked together to sniff out the suspects.

The 16 women and 15 men are between the ages of 19 and 55 and come from various locations near and in Springs.

“These suspects allegedly took Sassa cards from grant beneficiaries after lending them money, with a hefty interest rate. They are not registered to loan people money,” explains Sergeant Themba Tshabalala, communications officer for Springs SAPS.

Tshabalala says the suspects allegedly use the Sassa cards to withdraw the grants. A total of 300 Sassa cards and bank cards were confiscated and an amount of about R100 000 in cash was also recovered.

“One female had 75 cards and R18 650 in cash in her possession.

“The suspects will appear before the Springs Magistrate’s Court,” says Tshabalala.

The suspects are charged contravening Section (1)(2)(3) of the social assistance ACT 13 of 2004 and section 133 read with section 90 (2)(1) of the National Credit Act 34 2005*

Springs station commander Brigadier Thembeka Gwebushe applauded the team for a job well done in bringing the perpetrators to book.