Rustenburg – Boipelo Eugenia Ramafoko, a 42-year-old female grant administrator, has been identified as the person who allegedly solicited a bribe of R3,000 in exchange for processing an old age grant application at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
The Hawks apprehended the suspect in Mogwase on Thursday, (6 March 2025), under charges of corruption.
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Ramafoko appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Friday, (7 March 2025), confronting corruption charges, and she was granted bail set at R1,500.
The case has been postponed to 5 May 2025 to allow for further investigations.
It is alleged that in December of the previous year, a 63-year-old individual visited the SASSA offices in Mogwase to apply for an old age pension grant.
According to Hawks Spokesperson Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse, while assisting the potential grant recipient, Ramafoko unlawfully demanded R3,000 to process the application.
The applicant indicated that he did not have the necessary funds.
The accused reportedly informed him that he could pay the bribe after receiving his initial pension payment in February 2025.
The SASSA old age grant in South Africa is intended for individuals aged 60 and over who cannot work and earn a salary.
The grant amount is R2,180 for those aged 60 to 74 and R2,200 for individuals over 75.
The first pension payment was deposited into the SASSA applicant’s bank account in February 2025.
The SASSA grant administrator insisted on the bribe.
Investigations revealed that the vulnerable 63-year-old applicant complied and sent his daughter to withdraw R2,000.
However, the SASSA grant administrator allegedly expressed frustration, insisting on the full R3,000.
The victim and his daughter then made arrangements to pay the remaining balance at the beginning of March 2025.
“The information reached a Rustenburg-based Hawks member who quickly acted and began a preliminary investigation,” Warrant Officer Malwetse stated.
“This information led to the suspect’s arrest shortly after she received payment from the victim.”
