High Court Rejects Urgent Bail Bid in R4m Sassa Fraud Case

One of the main defendants in the well-known Sassa fraud case, which involves more than R4 million in alleged social grant fraud, Phumelele Myeza, had his urgent bail application denied by the Johannesburg-based Gauteng High Court.

Delivered on Thursday, May 22, the decision comes as Myeza and ten co-accused, including eight officials from the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), are still involved in an unresolved bail case before the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court. They are charged with a startling array of offenses, such as fraud, identity theft, and cybercrime.

No bail while the case is pending

Myeza’s legal team had petitioned the High Court, claiming that the magistrate’s court’s protracted delays were irrational and irregular. The state retorted, however, that the High Court could not get involved without sufficient explanation because the bail application in the lower court was still pending.

Senior State Advocate Matshediso Phatlanyane contended that the magistrate had not yet rendered a decision because she had asked for more evidence, which is still being investigated. The High Court concurred, finding that Myeza’s attorneys had not presented sufficient justification or proof to support the granting of bail at this time.

A defendant in an alleged multi-million-rand fraud scheme

The case concerns a widespread fraud that purportedly involved the fabrication of fictitious Sassa beneficiary profiles. The accused allegedly deposited millions of dollars into these fraudulent accounts and took them out at Sassa pay points by manipulating the social grant system, according to the state.

Due to the scope of the purported fraud and the involvement of Sassa insiders, this “complex scheme,” as defined by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), has garnered national attention.

Disputed Interference Allegations

The defense alleged that Sassa officials had visited the accused to have them sign documents during earlier bail hearings in an effort to meddle with them while they were in custody. Prosecutors denied these allegations, stating that the visit was unrelated to the criminal investigation and was a component of internal disciplinary procedures.

What to Do Next in a Prolonged Case

On June 10 and 11, 2025, the group’s bail hearing will take place again at the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court. As the state gets ready to call important witnesses, a trial date might also be scheduled.

The state maintains that it has a solid case and is dedicated to holding those responsible accountable in spite of numerous delays and legal challenges.

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Sourced:The Citizen

Picture: Screenshot/News Room Afrika