ETHIOPIAN NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR CORRUPTION IN SASSA SYNDICATE CASE
30 July 2025
ETHIOPIAN NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR CORRUPTION IN SASSA SYNDICATE CASE
Vryburg, North West – The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Vryburg has sentenced Ethiopian national, Etebo Lapso Wangore (43), to a hefty fine following his conviction on two counts of corruption linked to fraudulent activities targeting the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). Wangore was sentenced to a fine of R60,000 or eight months’ imprisonment for one count of corruption. On the second count, he received 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years, on condition that he does not commit a similar offence during the suspension period.
Wangore entered South Africa as an asylum seeker and later established himself as a businessman operating several spaza shops across the North West province. Investigations uncovered that he was part of a syndicate that included SASSA employees involved in the creation of fraudulent SASSA beneficiaries—commonly referred to as ghost beneficiaries—defrauding the social grant system. On 15 November 2022, Wangore approached an agent at a local post office and offered her R20,000 to arrange 250 SASSA cards. He further offered R1,000 per card as payment for each additional card she could supply. The official reported the matter to the police, leading to a successful entrapment operation. Wangore was arrested on 23 February 2023 and later released on bail.
He pleaded guilty to both counts of corruption. In aggravation of sentence, Advocate Fhulufhelo Munyai emphasised the severity of the crime, explaining how such offences undermine the integrity of the country’s social assistance system and negatively impact the South African economy. He highlighted that ghost beneficiaries drain resources intended for deserving South African citizens. As part of the sentencing, Wangore was declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. The court also ordered that his Toyota Hilux bakkie be forfeited to the State, as it was used in the commission of the crimes.
Welcoming the sentence, Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, stated: “This sentence must serve as a strong deterrent to anyone who believes they can exploit government systems and institutions for personal gain with impunity. The abuse of vital social support mechanisms such as SASSA not only robs deserving South Africans of the assistance they are entitled to but also undermines public trust in the integrity of state institutions.
The National Prosecuting Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to tackling corruption and commercial crime at all levels. We will continue to work closely with law enforcement to dismantle syndicates, prosecute offenders without fear or favour, and ensure that those who defraud the state are held accountable.”
Issued by:
Sivenathi Gunya
Communications Officer
North West Division
National Prosecuting Authority
078 172 9367