Latest news with #ShumaniKhwerana
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- The Citizen
10 of 11 accused in Sassa R260 million fraud case granted bail
Shumani Khwerana and his ten co-accused, eight of whom are Sassa officials, face multiple charges. The 11 accused in the R260 million South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) fraud case. Picture: X/@KayaNews Ten of the 11 accused in the R260 million South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) fraud case have been released on bail. The accused fraudsters returned to the Lenasia Magistrate's Court, south of Johannesburg, on Thursday to continue their bail application. Bail National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the bail amounts range between R10 000 and R30 000. 'The fourth accused, Ethiopian national Abenezer Tilahyn, was denied bail after the court ruled, he posed a flight risk. The matter has been postponed to 2 September 2025 for further investigation. ALSO READ: 11 accused in Sassa R260 million fraud case to remain behind bars 'As part of the bail conditions, the accused are required to surrender their travel documents and are prohibited from interfering with the ongoing investigation or any state witnesses,' Mjonondwane said. 'No flight risks' Mjonondwane said in considering the bail application, the court reviewed affidavits from the investigating officer, Constable Manana, as well as two affidavits from Mazimela Kubeka, a senior internal investigator at Sassa. 'These documents outlined how the accused were implicated in the alleged crimes. The court found no evidence that the ten accused, excluding Tilahyn, were flight risks or that they would interfere with evidence or the investigation. ALSO READ: Sassa millions 'heist' in Rosebank underground car park 'Sassa confirmed that the implicated employees have been suspended and no longer have access to its systems,' Mjonondwane said. Charges Shumani Khwerana and his ten co-accused, eight of whom are Sassa officials, face multiple charges, including cybercrime, fraud, and theft. Some of the accused who had been previously arrested include Khwerana, Nkhensani Sharon Maluleke, Tshilidzi Ramaphosa and Tilahyn. Fraud scheme The state alleges that the accused are alleged to have orchestrated a sophisticated scheme involving the creation of fake Sassa profiles, from which more than R4 million was allegedly deposited. These profiles were allegedly used to withdraw large sums of money from various Sassa pay points. Mjonondwane said the NPA respects the court's ruling, which marks only a stage in the legal process. 'This development does not deter the NPA's commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency within the public sector,' Mjonondwane said. ALSO READ: 70-year-old Sassa fraudster who stole R100 000 will soon be on trial
TimesLIVE
30-04-2025
- TimesLIVE
Bail hearing in Sassa fraud and theft case postponed
The Lenasia magistrate's court on Wednesday postponed the bail application hearing in a South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) fraud case to June 10. 'The postponement is to allow the court to hear additional evidence it has to consider in making a decision on the applications submitted by the 11 accused,' National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said. Shumani Khwerana and 10 co-accused face multiple charges including cybercrime, fraud and theft. 'The state alleges the accused orchestrated a sophisticated scheme involving the creation of fake Sassa profiles wherein more than R4m was deposited and these profiles were used to withdraw large sums of money from various Sassa paypoints.' During the hearing, the state submitted affidavits from the investigating officer and Mazimela Kubeka, a senior internal investigator at Sassa, with information on how the accused were implicated in the alleged offences. Mjonondwane said the court requested additional supporting evidence from the state.
