MTHATHA – A 58-year-old woman accused of defrauding the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) of more than R336,000 in foster care grants has been granted R1,000 bail following her appearance in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 6 August.

According to Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, between November 2018 and February 2026, Nokwakha Bana (58) allegedly executed a calculated and systematic scheme designed to unlawfully enrich herself through the fraudulent acquisition of foster care grants intended to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable children.

He said the matter emanated from a complaint lodged by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) after irregularities were detected in foster care grant payments administered through its Qumbu local office.

“It is alleged that the accused intentionally submitted false affidavits and materially misleading information to SASSA and the Department of Justice. It is further alleged that she falsely declared that the biological mother of two minor children was deceased and that the children’s biological father could not be traced,” said Mhlakuvana.

He said these alleged misrepresentations were deliberately made to induce SASSA to approve foster care grant applications to which she was never legally entitled.

Mhlakuvana said meticulous investigations conducted by the Hawks disproved every material representation upon which the applications had been approved.

He said further investigations established that the children’s biological father had always been known to the accused, remained actively involved in their upbringing and consistently fulfilled his parental obligations by providing support.

Mhlakuvana said the accused was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI), based in Mthatha, on 5 August following the execution of an authorised warrant of arrest.

“As a direct consequence of the alleged fraudulent conduct, SASSA suffered actual financial prejudice of more than R300,000,” said Mhlakuvana.

He said an intensive investigation by the Hawks culminated in the accused’s arrest and her appearance in court on 6 August, where she faces allegations of fraud, uttering and contravening the Justices of the Peace and Commissioners of Oaths Act.

Mhlakuvana said she was granted R1,000 bail and the matter was postponed to 18 August for the disclosure of the contents of the docket.

ALSO READ: Two Anti-Gang Unit constables among four shot dead in Reiger Park