Fugitive Sought for Slain Off-Duty Police Officer Hands Himself Over
May 14, 2024
**No New COVID-19 Variant Detected, Says National Department of Health**
May 14, 2024
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Mpumalanga has announced the reopening of its Mkhondo office, formerly known as Piet Retief, following an unsettling incident involving senior officials and unidentified individuals suspected to be traditional healers.
The office was closed after security cameras captured two senior officials and three unidentified men performing rituals after hours on April 17, 2024. Concerns arose when staff discovered residues of needles and other substances resembling muthi (traditional medicine) in the office.
In response, a senior manager reviewed the CCTV footage, prompting Mpumalanga MEC for Social Development Lindiwe Ntshalintshali and SASSA executives to hold a debriefing with staff on Sunday. Local pastors were invited to lead a mass prayer session at the office, followed by fumigation and thorough cleaning.
The intervention led to the office reopening on Monday, with the public notified through various social media channels and stakeholders. SASSA confirms that services are now back to normal, and staff will receive counseling through a wellness program. Additional counseling services will be provided if needed.
Deputy Minister of Social Development, Dr. Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, held a debriefing session on Thursday to motivate staff to continue serving the community with resilience. Bogopane-Zulu pledged full support to the staff in overcoming the incident.
The incident is under investigation to determine its cause and appropriate remedies, according to SASSA. As the agency moves forward, it remains committed to ensuring the well-being of its staff and the uninterrupted delivery of essential services to the community.
