NPA seizes assets in SASSA fraud case

Spokesman Nathi Mncube said in a statement that the NPA's asset forfeiture unit was granted a freezing order in the High Court in Pretoria on September 9.

 

The order was granted against Mabe, former Sassa spokesman Paseka Cornelius Letsatsi, and Surprise Kabedi Ramosa in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

 

"This order prohibits them from dealing in their property, and appointed a curator to attach their assets."

 

In court documents the NPA alleged that the three siphoned funds from Sassa and/or the Social Responsibility Fund account through organisations that did not qualify for funding.

 

The three have appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crime Court in connection with the case.

 

Letsatsi allegedly solicited funds illegally from the agency in 2008 on the pretext of a community development program, the Progressive Young Women's Co-operative, needing to pay service providers directly.

 

Instead the money was allegedly given to companies Mabe and Ramosa owned.

 

"The amounts were paid on 17 September 2008 and 26 November 2008 even though these entities did not render any services," Mncube said.

 

"Afterwards, money was transferred not only between these accounts, but also into the account of KG Project Management (Pty) Ltd of which Mr Mabe is the only signatory."

 

Earlier this month the ANC Youth League in Gauteng backed Mabe, and ANC national executive committee member, for the position of ANCYL president.

 

Chairman Matome Chiloane told reporters in Johannesburg that the ANCYL in the province noted the charges Mabe faced and resolved to continue to support him as he was innocent until proven guilty.

 

"Comrade Pule Mabe is a member of the ANCYL in good standing within our province and we believe that the knowledge and experience he has acquired through time from the various leadership positions he has held puts him in good standing to take our organisation further."

 

The elective conference will be held next week.