Blind eMzinoni woman is victim of SMS scam

eMZINONI – Ms Zodwa Skhosana (45) is blind and the victim of airtime scams.

She said since January between R90 and R400 have been deducted from her grant for apparent airtime.

Ms Nkosi does not know who is deducting the money, because she did not subscribe to any airtime contract and always makes sure that her documents are safe.

She went to the local South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) office to launch a complaint, but was told she had to go to the police station to draw up an affidavit.

When she got to the police station, she was told to return to the Sassa office.

“I was sent from pillar to post in my attempt to solve this problem.

“Unfortunately, because of my blindness, I am not always capable of going places, because I depend on people to help me.”

She said Sassa officials were not helpful and not considerate about her blindness.

“I do not know what to do, because the deductions are increasing every month.”

Mr Senzeni Ngobeni, Sassa spokesman, said Ms Skhosana must return to the local Sassa office to launch her complaint so that an investigation can be done.

He said such cases are common and varies from person to person.

“In some instances the beneficiary is innocent and has be scammed or someone stole her documents to subscribe to airtime contracts, or even opening loans.

“We often find that the beneficiary herself is guilty, so we can give a detailed comment only when an investigation has been made.”

Ms Nkosi is also facing problems with her RDP house for which she applied in 2008.

She was told that her house was approved and built in Extension 15, but she is staying in the Tambo Section.

“I reported this to my ward councillor, but she told me she is not working for the human settlement department.

“I do not know what to do.”

Ms Nkosi is living alone and depends on her neighbours for help.

She said being blind is not easy, but she has accepted it and is thankful to her neighbours.