HIGH COURT DISMISSES URGENT BAIL APPLICATION BY ACCUSED IN THE SASSA FRAUD CASE

22 MAY 2025

HIGH COURT DISMISSES URGENT BAIL APPLICATION BY ACCUSED IN THE SASSA FRAUD CASE

The urgent bail application by Phumelele Myeza, the ninth accused in the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) fraud case, has been dismissed by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Johannesburg. The judgment comes after the defence approached the High Court for the accused to be released on bail, arguing that the postponement period set by the lower court was excessively long and therefore irregular.

Myeza, amongst ten others, has a pending and uncompleted bail application before the Lenasia Magistrates’ Court where they face charges related to cybercrime, fraud and theft. The State alleges that the accused orchestrated a complex scheme involving the creation of fake SASSA profiles, into which over R4 million was deposited, and then allegedly used these profiles to withdraw large sums of money from various SASSA pay points.

In opposing the application, Senior State Advocate Matshediso Phatlanyane emphasised that Myeza prematurely approached the High Court since the decision of the Magistrate is pending. She further stated that there were no irregularities upon which the High Court could interfere. Furthermore, she pointed out that the Magistrate requested further evidence to be presented for her to make a decision and that there was insufficient evidence before the High Court for it to arrive at a decision. The Court concurred with the State, ruling that the applicant had not provided enough evidence for the High Court to grant her bail, especially with a pending application in a lower court.

Issued by:

Phindi Mjonondwane
NPA Regional Spokesperson – Gauteng Division, Johannesburg
083 402 4787 / 011 220 4245
hmjonondwane@npa.gov.za