OMEN
04-27-2006, 09:23 PM
Johannesburg - More than 35 000 new cases of social grant fraud have been uncovered, the department of social development said on Thursday.
Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya said: "We have collected the details of more than 35 420 cases of allegations of social grant fraud committed by members of the public."
He said the crimes came to light through tip-offs to the department's national fraud hotline.
Department spokesperson Lakela Kaunda said the cases covered a two-year period.
In 2005, the department found over 12 000 public servants were receiving social grants which they were not eligible for.
Of these, 750 were successfully prosecuted.
Over 2 120 officials signed acknowledgements of debt.
The investigations against the others were continuing and cases were pending in courts, said Skweyiya.
Skweyiya said: "Government now provides social grants to over 11 million people.
"The social security budget will exceed R57bn this year and it is important that we pay the right grant amount to the right person."
The department was also tightening its tests to ensure grants went to those who needed them.
SABC
Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya said: "We have collected the details of more than 35 420 cases of allegations of social grant fraud committed by members of the public."
He said the crimes came to light through tip-offs to the department's national fraud hotline.
Department spokesperson Lakela Kaunda said the cases covered a two-year period.
In 2005, the department found over 12 000 public servants were receiving social grants which they were not eligible for.
Of these, 750 were successfully prosecuted.
Over 2 120 officials signed acknowledgements of debt.
The investigations against the others were continuing and cases were pending in courts, said Skweyiya.
Skweyiya said: "Government now provides social grants to over 11 million people.
"The social security budget will exceed R57bn this year and it is important that we pay the right grant amount to the right person."
The department was also tightening its tests to ensure grants went to those who needed them.
SABC