On January 8, a joint operation involving the EMPD’s Community Liaison Unit (CLU), the JMPD Tactical Response Unit Region E, and Gautrans Special Law Enforcement Unit led to a significant bust in Thembisa. Officers intercepted a suspicious vehicle on Andrew Mapheto Drive during routine operational duties, uncovering a stash of 250 Sassa cards hidden inside.
As the officers conducted a thorough search, one of the suspects admitted to using the cards for fraudulent activities, sparking further investigation. The discovery raised serious concerns about the misuse of these vital social security tools, potentially impacting vulnerable individuals relying on Sassa grants.
The three men, all of whom were involved in the operation, were arrested on the spot. They were detained at Thembisa Police Station, where they will face charges related to the fraudulent use and possession of the Sassa cards. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, as they work to determine the full extent of the fraud and how the cards were obtained.
The operation stands as a reminder of the ongoing battle against fraud and criminal activity involving government services. With various law enforcement units working together, it highlights the importance of multi-agency collaboration in tackling organized crime and protecting the public from exploitation.
