MBOMBELA - Three suspects were remanded in custody by the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday after having been arrested on Friday for allegedly conspiring to steal money by hacking into the SASSA system.

Matholeni Sydwell Masilela (40), Brian Mfundo Masina (28) and Moses Khumalo (36) were arrested in Mbombela during an intelligence-driven operation by Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation, in conjunction with Cyber Crime, Local Criminal Record Centre and SASSA.

The suspects had allegedly been plotting to pilfer SASSA’s monies by hacking into the organisation’s system.

An electronic device intended to be used to extract information, as well as a laptop, a scanner, SASSA cards and the suspects’ vehicle were seized during the operation.

The case has been postponed to Monday August 3 for verification of addresses and a possible bail application. Investigations are still ongoing.

Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Wahl Lessing
Submitted by: Capt Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi