A 69-year-old woman, Devi Sigamoney, has approached the Pretoria North Magistrates Court to appeal her 10-year prison sentence following her involvement in fraudulent activities related to SASSA grants.
Conviction Details
Last week, Sigamoney was sentenced by the Pretoria North Magistrates Court after being found guilty of several serious charges, including perjury, fraud, and theft.
Fraudulent SASSA Grant Claims
Sigamoney was convicted for illegally collecting older persons’ grants over a period of five years. During this time, she was also serving as the director of a company, KJP Traders, which secured millions in government tenders.
Her Role in the Company
KJP Traders, a company led by Sigamoney, was awarded R88 million in tenders in 2022 to supply furniture to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Despite her company receiving substantial financial contracts, Sigamoney continued to claim SASSA grant payouts, benefiting fraudulently.
Emotional Court Appearance
In a courtroom filled with tension, Sigamoney appeared visibly shaken and emotional as she was led into the dock. She was shackled by her ankles while entering the courtroom from the holding cells, a clear indication of the seriousness of the charges against her.
Appeal Process Postponed
The Pretoria North Magistrates Court was scheduled to hear Sigamoney’s application for leave to appeal her 10-year sentence. However, her defense team was unprepared to proceed with the hearing.
Opposition to the Appeal
The Independent Directorate’s Henry Mamothame confirmed their readiness to oppose Sigamoney’s appeal. He emphasized that the sentence should serve as a strong warning to anyone considering similar fraudulent actions, highlighting the seriousness with which such cases are taken by the courts.
Repayment of Fraudulent Funds
While her application to appeal has been postponed to next week, Sigamoney has already repaid more than R138,000 of the fraudulent grant money she collected.
Sigamoney’s case highlights a significant instance of fraud within the SASSA system, with her actions resulting in a lengthy prison sentence. Her fraudulent activities, compounded by her leadership role in securing substantial government tenders, paint a troubling picture of corruption.
The ongoing appeal and her repayment of some of the defrauded funds reflect the legal process at work, with the hope that it sends a strong message to others considering similar illegal actions.
FAQs
What charges was Devi Sigamoney convicted of?
Sigamoney was convicted of perjury, fraud, and theft after fraudulently collecting SASSA grants for five years while being the director of a company awarded millions in tenders.
How much did Sigamoney’s company, KJP Traders, receive in tenders?
KJP Traders was awarded R88 million in tenders to supply furniture to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 2022.
Has Sigamoney repaid any of the money she fraudulently obtained?
Yes, Sigamoney has repaid more than R138,000 of the SASSA grant money she fraudulently collected.
What is the status of Sigamoney’s appeal?
Sigamoney’s application for leave to appeal her 10-year sentence has been postponed, with the hearing scheduled for next week.
