The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has hailed the 10-year sentence handed down to 69-year-old Devi Sarathamoney, who was convicted of perjury, theft, and fraud against the agency. Sarathamoney, who served as the sole director of a company that secured a multimillion-rand tender to supply furniture to the South African Police Service (SAPS), submitted falsified documents to SASSA to fraudulently claim an old-age grant.
Between 2017 and 2022, Sarathamoney continued to receive the grant despite her significant involvement in business dealings with the government. Her actions led to a severe breach of trust and financial misconduct.
SASSA’s Acting CEO, Themba Matlou, commented that the 10-year sentence should act as a warning to those attempting to defraud the agency. “Sarathamoney’s case highlights the agency’s commitment to uncovering fraudulent activities and ensuring that social grants are distributed fairly,” said Matlou. He emphasized that SASSA regularly conducts monthly reviews to ensure grants are paid to the rightful recipients and will continue to collaborate with law enforcement to combat fraud.
Matlou’s statement also underscored SASSA’s role in protecting taxpayers’ money while ensuring grants reach those in need. “Fraudulent activity may seem undetectable at first, but it will eventually be exposed,” Matlou added, reinforcing the importance of transparency and integrity within the grant system.
SASSA’s efforts to fight corruption and fraud remain steadfast, with the agency committed to protecting the integrity of its grant distribution system.
