By Kabelo Abel Mokgalabone
KGAPANE- Mphekgwana Elisa Modjadji (59), Lefupane Mahloatlie Mamatome (58), and Malekutu Walter Ramoshaba (48) appeared in the Kgapane Magistrates Court today, 3 July, facing charges of fraud.
The trio were arrested on Tuesday, 2 July.
The charges stem from incidents that occurred between 26 May 2021 and 23 December 2021. During this period, two community members visited the Bolobedu South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office in Kgapane to apply for disability grants. They were provided with application forms by a SASSA official, which were to be completed by government-appointed doctors. However, the initial forms were not approved as the applicants did not qualify for disability grants.
Subsequently, the application forms were resubmitted with amendments that enabled the pair to gain approval. The irregularities were discovered by a capturing clerk who suspected foul play and reported the matter to the police. The Serious Corruption Investigation unit was then tasked with investigating the case.
During the investigation, the office of questioned documents was consulted, and it was discovered that the handwriting on the amended forms belonged to one of the SASSA employees. This discovery led to the arrest of Modjadji, Mamatome, and Ramoshaba.
The case has been postponed to tomorrow, 4 July 2024, for a formal bail application. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the fraud.
