What was meant to be a retirement safety net has now turned into a costly lesson for a former Post Office branch manager in Mpumalanga.
Instead of enjoying her pension, Lucia Mashego is walking away with more than R100,000 less — all because of a scheme that targeted some of South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens.
How the Scheme Unfolded
Mashego, who previously managed the Shatale Post Office in Bushbuckridge and uses a wheelchair, teamed up with teller Thandeka Dibakwane and a private individual, Precious Nyathi.
According to the Hawks, the trio found a way to create duplicate SASSA cards without the beneficiaries’ knowledge.
Once made, the cards were handed over to Nyathi, who then withdrew cash from ATMs — money that was meant for people relying on SASSA for survival.
R250,000 Stolen from Beneficiaries
Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, spokesperson for the Hawks in Mpumalanga, confirmed that the beneficiaries collectively lost R250,000 through these unlawful withdrawals.
The crime didn’t stop there — another teller, Virginia Phoku, spotted the opportunity and made her own duplicate cards to steal funds.
Phoku has since been found guilty and given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for five years on the condition that she stays out of similar trouble.
Court Outcome for Mashego
On 27 May, Mashego admitted to all 60 counts of fraud.
The court handed her an eight-year prison sentence, fully suspended for five years, provided she doesn’t reoffend.
In addition, the Asset Forfeiture Unit was ordered to take R146,897.05 from her pension fund to recover part of the stolen money.
Co-Accused Awaiting Judgment
Dibakwane and Nyathi are yet to learn their fate — their next appearance before the Commercial Crime Court is set for Wednesday, 13 August.
The case continues to draw public attention, given the scale of the theft and the vulnerability of the victims.
Strong Warning from Authorities
Major General Nico Gerber, head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, issued a firm message to those in positions of trust: abusing authority for personal gain, especially at the expense of the needy, will not go unpunished.
“We will investigate without fear or favour and ensure justice is served,” Gerber stated.