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Former Post Office Manager’s Pension Seized After SASSA Fraud Conviction

SHATALE, Mpumalanga — 27 May & 13 August

A former Post Office manager in Bushbuckridge has forfeited R146,897 from her pension after admitting guilt in a SASSA grant fraud scheme.

Lucia Mashego, ex-manager of the Shatale Post Office, colluded with teller Thandeka Dibakwane and private individual Precious Nyathi to steal social grant money. (Hawks statement)

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) stated Mashego created duplicate SASSA cards while Dibakwane allegedly gave them to Nyathi for illegal ATM withdrawals. Victims reportedly lost R250,000 collectively. (Hawks spokesperson)

Teller Virginia Phoku also exploited the scheme after discovering the fraud. Phoku was convicted in January and received a two-year suspended sentence. (court records)

Mashego pleaded guilty to 60 fraud counts on 27 May. Her eight-year prison sentence was suspended for five years, with her pension funds seized. (court ruling)

Dibakwane and Nyathi are scheduled to appear in the Commercial Crime Court on 13 August for their alleged roles. (court schedule)

Hawks provincial head Major General Nico Gerber cautioned officials: “We will investigate without fear or favour and ensure justice is served.”