Formal Request for Investigation Regarding Unauthorized Redemption of Social Grant Funds

Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally request an investigation into a matter involving the unauthorized redemption of funds during a transaction conducted at the PEP Store at Boitumelo Mall, Thabong, Welkom on 05 February 2025. Background of the Incident: On the morning of 05 February 2025, my uncle, Mr. Mpho Abednego Mo***eng, executed a money transfer in the amount of R2,100. Due to a stated store policy limiting transfers to a maximum of R2,000, his transfer was divided into two separate transactions—one for R1,000 and the other for R1,100. These funds represent the Social Grant allocated for the care of our 90-year-old and vulnerable grandmother, who is currently residing in an Old Age Home. Since June 2023, the established procedure has involved my uncle depositing these funds in Welkom and telephonically providing my aunt (who oversees the timely payments at the Old Age Home in Johannesburg) with two distinct 10-digit withdrawal reference numbers. It is important to note that these reference numbers are separate from the fixed, pre-agreed 4-digit PIN used exclusively for the ATM withdrawal process. On the day in question, after receiving the withdrawal reference numbers from my uncle later in the afternoon, my aunt proceeded to withdraw the funds at an ABSA ATM located in Northgate Mall, Johannesburg. However, the ATM displayed an error indicating that the funds for both transactions had already been redeemed. Immediately thereafter, my aunt contacted my uncle, whom she advised to return to the PEP Store where the initial transfer was conducted. My uncle then requested that the store personnel contact Money Market to confirm the transaction details. According to Money Market, the transfer was executed at approximately 09:35 at PEP Store, and the funds were redeemed at about 09:55 at a Checkers ATM in Welkom—a distance of roughly 10 kilometers from the point of origin. My uncle has confirmed that at no time were there any other individuals present who could have observed the 10-digit reference numbers or the 4-digit PIN; the transaction was conducted solely between him and the staff member assisting at the PEP Store. An incident report was duly completed, and a police case was opened. Nevertheless, a discrepancy of R2,100 remains outstanding, which critically affects the ongoing care arrangements for our fragile grandmother. Request for Action: In light of these facts, I respectfully request that your office direct the PEP Store at Boitumelo Mall to conduct an internal investigation into the actions of the employee who assisted with the transaction. I also urge a thorough review of the possibility of a syndicate operation, considering the short interval—approximately 10 minutes—between the execution of the transactions and the redemption of funds at an ATM located 10 kilometers away. Given the sensitive nature of these funds and their critical role in supporting the care of an elderly vulnerable family member, I trust that this request will be given the highest priority. I am prepared to provide any further documentation or clarification required to facilitate your investigation. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Yours faithfully, Nancy Mo***eng