Question NW2877 to the Minister of Finance
08 December 2022 - NW2877
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Finance
What total amount has the National Treasury been able to recuperate from the pension funds of persons accused of defrauding the State since the beginning of the year?
Reply:
The National Treasury has not recovered any funds from any person accused of defrauding the State since the beginning of this financial year commencing 1 April 2022, nor the previous financial year.
In terms of the Government Employees Pension Law, 1996, Government is able to recover or deduct from the pension benefit of an employee any amount of loss which has been sustained by the employer through theft, fraud or any misconduct on the part of the member, pensioner or beneficiary and which has been admitted by such person in writing or has been proved in a court of law.
I have been informed by the Government Pension Administration Agency (GPAA) that neither they nor the GEPF have been furnished with any court order since the beginning of the current financial year commencing 1 April 2022 requiring them to recover or deduct funds from the pension benefit of any person accused of defrauding the State.