Fraud Scandal Forces Closure of Key Johannesburg SASSA Office

A major Johannesburg SASSA office has been shut down indefinitely, following the suspension and arrest of eight officials over alleged fraud. The closure comes at a critical time, as the agency begins its mandatory biometric enrolment rollout and income verification for beneficiaries across Gauteng.

SASSA confirmed the arrests were made through the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court, highlighting the agency’s “zero-tolerance approach” toward malfeasance. Agency CEO Temba Matlou reassured the public that corrective steps are underway to address operational weaknesses and restore trust in service delivery.

“We are committed to cleaning up SASSA’s act. These suspensions and charges reflect our commitment to integrity and accountability,” Matlou said.

Disrupted Services for Beneficiaries

For many residents who rely on SASSA for grants and social support, the timing could not be worse. September 2025 marks the start of mandatory biometric enrolments a process that requires beneficiaries to visit a SASSA office directly, especially new applicants or those undergoing income verification.

Social media users quickly expressed frustration and concern. One X user wrote:

“My mother has her income review next week. Now we have to travel across Johannesburg because of this scandal. SASSA needs to fix this fast.”

SASSA has responded by redeploying staff to nearby offices in a staggered system to reduce service disruptions:

• Westbury Hills: Monday – Tuesday, 08:00 – 15:00

• Cosmo City Multipurpose Centre: Thursday – Friday, 08:00 – 15:00

• South Hills Community Hall: Monday, 08:00 – 15:00

Additionally, outreach days are scheduled at various Johannesburg locations through December to assist affected beneficiaries:

• South Hills/Glenanda: 17 Sept, 8 & 22 Oct, 12 & 26 Nov, 10 Dec

• Malvern/Jeppestown: 10 Sept, 1 & 15 Oct, 5 Nov, 3 Dec

• Berea/Yeoville/Braamfontein/Hillbrow: 23 Sept, 15 Oct, 19 Nov, 23 Dec

Operational Challenges Exposed

The suspension of these eight officials has thrown a spotlight on SASSA’s ongoing internal challenges, raising questions about oversight and accountability within the agency. The closure underscores the broader issue of fraud risks in South Africa’s social grant system, which has historically been under intense scrutiny from government watchdogs and civil society groups.

Matlou emphasized that while the Johannesburg office is temporarily closed, service delivery across the region will continue through staff redeployment and scheduled outreach initiatives. He urged beneficiaries to plan ahead and consult SASSA’s official updates to avoid unnecessary travel and delays.

Community Impact

For many Johannesburg residents, SASSA offices are more than administrative hubs, they are lifelines. With thousands relying on social grants for basic needs, any disruption reverberates across households. Local advocacy groups have called on the agency to strengthen internal controls and restore public confidence while maintaining uninterrupted access to critical services.

“SASSA must balance accountability with service delivery. The people cannot wait while investigations unfold,” said a community activist in Gauteng.

As the investigation continues, the closure serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between integrity, transparency, and the urgent needs of South Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

{Source: The South African}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com