As the matter is being investigated by the SA Police Service and various aspects sub judice, it can be confirmed that from preliminary investigations, all the SAPO/SASSA card numbers are linked to beneficiary profiles and funds were withdrawn in the KZN region by making use of the skimming and cloning devices that were seized.
To date, a total of 78 009 cards were stolen through business burglaries and armed robberies since inception of the cooperation agreement between SASSA and SAPO. I must point out to the Honourable Member all the stolen cards were timeously blocked to prevent losses.
b) SASSA has not incurred any financial losses. Any losses suffered are either by the individual or SAPO/Postbank. In cases where the beneficiaries have reported fraudulent transactions, cases are referred to SAPO/Postbank who then investigate the matter. In the last three (3) years that SAPO/Postbank and SASSA have had a contractual agreement, an amount of R90 993 960,56 has been reimbursed to 27 534 beneficiaries.