Eight South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) officials have appeared in court after they allegedly manipulated the system by capturing false information aimed at certain beneficiaries already on the system.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the officials responsible for screening and capturing grant applications were arrested by the Hawks in various areas of the eHlanzeni region last week.   

"It is alleged, that during April 2015 to August 2016, the eight Sassa employees manipulated the system by capturing false information targeting beneficiaries who are already on the system," NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said. 

Each of these beneficiaries would then receive various amounts, depending on the grant types.

Nyuswa said that the officials, together with 15 other people, had appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate's Court on charges of fraud and corruption on Monday.

"The accused will be joined [by] three other suspects who have been subpoenaed to appear in court on 4 September 2020," she added.

They were all issued warnings to appear.