LIFE can be cruel when a pensioner, whose family depends on his grant, is left penniless for two months.
The heartbroken pensioner, Isaak Ruiters (70), from Wynkwaardt Street, Eden Park, alleged that he didn’t received his grant for two months. It was withdrawn by an unknown person in May and June.
“On May 5, I went to the pay-point at the community hall to get my grant. I couldn’t draw money, because my card was damaged and I was instructed to obtain a new one at the SASSA office, in Thokoza,” he said.
“A gentleman issued a new card and took my old one, which he did not cut up.
“He told me to make a withdrawal only the following week, on Tuesday.
“On that day I only found a balance of R440, which I did not withdraw, thinking that it was a mistake and would be corrected the following month.
”This was my biggest mistake,” said a sad Mr Ruiters.
He faced his worst fears when he encountered some fraudulent withdrawals from his account on his June payout. Only then did he notice that cash withdrawals were made from May and then in June.
“I went to the SASSA office in Thokoza, where I received a statement reflecting all the withdrawals from my account,” he said.
”I was asked if my card was cut up. I told them that it wasn’t and also, strangely, the gentleman who helped me could no longer be found in the offices.
”A lady then advised me to change my pin code to stop the fraudulent withdrawals.”
Ruiters showed the RECORD a statement which reflected withdrawals on June 2 of an amount of R550 and then R200 at midnight on the same day.
On June 5 R100 was taken and, on June 7, R200 was withdrawn at midnight. The last transaction of R100 was taken on June 8.
“On June 8, I contacted Capt Moremi, at the Eden Park Police Station and opened a case of theft,” Ruiters said.
”I am still waiting for the police to investigate my case. I can point out the man who exchanged my cards at the SASSA office. My family and I have suffered for two months, while someone else enjoyed the money.”
The RECORD requested comment from SASSA, but, at the time of going to print, nothing was forthcoming.
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