Mbabane – The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has reported losses exceeding E258,000 after elderly grants were paid to 205 beneficiaries who had already died. The issue was revealed in the 2024 Compliance Audit Report by Auditor General Timothy Matsebula.
Principal Secretary Siboniso Nkambule, speaking through Hhohho Region’s Principal Social Welfare Officer Simanga Maseko, said the overpayments resulted from delayed reporting of deaths and advance processing of payments. Some elderly recipients passed away after payment vouchers were prepared, and in 59 cases, family members continued collecting grants without notifying authorities.
The DPM’s Office has referred the matter to police for investigation of possible fraud. To avoid similar losses, officials plan to collaborate with local chiefs to obtain official death records and update the social welfare system promptly.
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