Six men caught with 400 fake Sassa cards in Vryheid CBD
The Department of Social Development applauds the arrests of the people using Sassa fake cards.
Six men were arrested in Vryheid’s CBD last night after being found in possession of 400 fake Sassa cards.
Members of the Organised Crime Unit in Pretoria requested for Vryheid SAPS to arrange backup for them as they were set to close in on the group of men, who had booked in at Oxford Lodge. Action was taken after investigators had been tipped-off about alleged suspicious criminal activities taking place.
“Our members helped to arrest the six men, as well as recover 400 fake Sassa cards. Two vehicles that were used to transport the cards were also seized,” said Lt Col Bhekizitha Zwane, the commander of Visible Policing (Vispol) in Vryheid.
Staff at the local Sassa office seemed unaware of the arrest. However, spokesperson for the Department of Social Development (DSD), Mbizeni Mdlalose, applauded the work done by Vryheid’s SAPS.
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“We welcome whatever arrests have been made by the SAPS where this nature of crime is concerned. There have been cases of these fake cards sprouting around. Last week, there were people in Richmond who were caught trying to use these fake cards, who were also arrested,” said Mr Mdlalose.
Mr Mdlalose said the Department would also be conducting an investigation to find out who was responsible for making these fake cards.
“We are hoping to work together with the SAPS to find the exact source of these cards,” he said.
Manager of Oxford Lodge, Johan van Staden, confirmed that the men were arrested at the establishment last night.
Mr Van Staden said the Pretoria Organised Crime Unit had contacted the lodge last week to secure a booking, in order to monitor the men they believed to be in possession of fake Sassa cards, after they heard that the men had sought accommodation at the establishment.
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“These men had been staying here as guests for the past two and a half to three weeks. The Pretoria Organised Crime Unit called in and explained the investigation they were conducting, and how they needed to observe what was happening from a closer range,” said Mr Van Staden.
Vryheid’s Organised Crime Unit is currently finalising the case docket as the six are set to appear at the Vryheid Magistrates Court tomorrow.
