FREE STATE – Four suspects aged between 32 and 62 have been arrested for alleged corruption and extortion in a sting operation consisting of the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation Unit and Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit on Wednesday.
A Virginia post office Manager was allegedly approached and enticed by one of her employees who was working with a group of suspects to provide 250 South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) cards to be loaded with cash. For her trouble, the manager was promised a R20 000-00 gratification.
The matter was escalated to authorities who cooperated and arrested the four suspects in possession of the 250 SASSA cards during an undercover operation. Amongst the suspects is a former police officer who is on suspension for previous infringements, the cleaner at the post office and two civilians.
Two vehicles belonging to the suspects have been confiscated and the suspects are expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrates Court on Friday.
