The Citizen reports that the SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) offices in eMkhondo (formerly Piet-Retief), Mpumalanga, have been reopened after being closed for just over two weeks.

The closure of the offices followed investigations of rituals recorded on camera after workers at the regional office complained about finding needles scattered on the floor almost daily. The footage allegedly showed two Sassa officials and three unknown men, believed to be traditional healers, in the office after hours. This prompted the temporary closure of the Mkhondo office, with employees having to use an alternative working venue in the Mkhondo community hall. Mpumalanga MEC for Social Development Lindiwe Ntshalintshali has since held a “massive” prayer session at the Mkhondo offices. The area’s church leaders and faith based organisations attended the session. Sassa Mpumalanga spokesperson Senzeni Ngubeni advised that fumigation and deep cleaning of the offices had been conducted and everything went “back to normal” on Monday after the prayer session. While the spokesperson did not confirm if any action was taken against the two Sassa officials, he said the matter was still under investigation. Additionally, the agency is offering free counselling services to employees through a wellness programme.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Enkosi Selane at The Citizen

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