SASSA scam: Police warns residents to be on the lookout for conwoman
The South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) in Limpopo is warning people to be vigilant of a woman masquerading as a Sassa officer who defrauds elderly residents.
LIMPOPO – Limpopo Sassa Spokesperson, Kutelani Kutama said his office received a complaint about a young woman who collected ID books from several elderly women at Mukula village near Thohoyandou and promised them that they would receive food parcels every month.
“She is heartless and needs to be reported to the police.
“We don’t dispatch officers to collect ID books from elderly people,” he said.
One of the victims, Masindi Matamela, said a young woman visited her homestead last Wednesday afternoon and introduced herself as a Sassa officer registering people to receive food parcels.
“She requested my ID book and bank card and vanished with my ID.
“The following day when I went to the shopping centre to withdraw money, I discovered that my money was gone.
“I was left with only R20 in my account,” she said.
Tshavhungwe Netshivhumbe is the second victim.
She told CV she had been ripped off in the same way.
Netshivhumbe said she trusted the woman as she spoke about how President Cyril Ramaphosa cares for elderly people.
“She took my ID and promised that I am going to receive food parcels. I don’t know what to do now,” she said.
Limpopo Police Spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said a case of fraud has been opened which the police are investigating.
“No stone will be left unturned, as this woman must be brought to book. She targets especially our elderly residents.
“Community members who might have information about the whereabouts of this woman should not hesitate to report this to the nearest police station or contact Detective Sergeant Singapore Mulalo on 071 493 4077 or crime stop number 086 001 0111,” Mojapelo concluded.
