Durban - The SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) has been urged to put measures in place to improve safety at grant pay points following the armed robbery at Lindelani, near Ntuzuma, Durban, which claimed three lives.
The Public Servants Association (PSA) made the call on Tuesday in response to the robbery that cost the lives of two Fidelity security guards and a partially blind woman, Phumaphi Zondi, who had gone to the Lindelani pay point to receive her monthly grant.
The association’s provincial manager, Claude Naiker, said the robbery on Friday should serve as a warning to Sassa to address the safety of vulnerable workers and citizens.
“A large number of pay points do not meet the norms and standards with regard to security and health issues. Sassa, as an employer, wants to get the best out of our members - their officials - yet, there seems to be no genuine attention being given to ensure their working environment is conducive to enable them to perform optimally and in safety.
“Our members increasingly view the social grant pay dates with great trepidation, not knowing when they may become victims of senseless attacks,” said Naiker.
Les Govender, IFP social development spokesman, said it was time Sassa worked with the Department of Community Safety and Liaison to ensure all pension payout points were protected and safe.
“The brazen shoot-out and senseless killing at a social grant pay point once again highlights the audacity of criminals who have no respect for law and order.
“It is also a clear call for improved security measures when grants are being paid,” he said.
Sassa’s provincial spokesman, Vusi Mahaye, said they were looking at ways to improve security at pay points.
Daily News