Polokwane — Following allegations of having defrauded social grant beneficiaries, Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) officials are being investigated by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).

According to SASSA, numerous complaints of fraud have been reported at pension payout-point committee meetings, especially.

"It appears to be a common practice is that beneficiaries are robbed of R100 every time the payment is effected by CPS officials," said SASSA's spokesperson Palesa Letsatsi.

The CPS is contracted to distribute government social grants to beneficiaries including elderly people, the mentally ill and indigent mothers who can not afford to care for her children.

Mr Letsatsi said fraud was particularly prevalent in the Polokwane region.

He said SASSA's regional office was waiting for a detailed report from particular pay-points in the Capricorn district, which includes Polokwane, Aganang, Blouberg, Lepelle-Nkumpi and Molemole.

"After the finalisation of the reports, we will launch an investigation to find the culprits at the specific pay-points," said Mr Letsatsi.

He advised beneficiaries to count their money when collecting grants and to ensure they have received the full amount due to them

While Mr Letsatsi urged beneficiaries to seek the help of a desk officer or pay-point committee member if there was a shortfall, he said they must note the same officers have been implicated in the fraud.

"If you complain they might replace the money and act as if you didn't count properly," said Mr Letsatsi.

A woman, speaking on condition of anonymity, said her mother and two aunts have fallen victim to the scam in Polokwane said: "They have no respect for the elderly."

Mr Letsatsi said SASSA viewed the allegations seriously.

"These criminal actions should not be tolerated, but be punished in the strongest possible terms," said Mr Letsatsi.