SASSA clarifies man died outside Paarl office, not inside

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the death of a wheelchair-bound recipient in Paarl on Tuesday. 

The 54-year-old man died shortly after visiting the SASSA offices in a nearby parking lot. 

In passing their condolences to the man’s family, SASSA, in a statement, clarified that the man was not inside its Paarl offices, as speculated on social media platforms, but outside in the Paarl East Shopping Centre. 

“The beneficiary had been duly assisted and fully served at the SASSA Paarl Office. The incident occurred as he was leaving the shopping centre with his family. Emergency services were immediately contacted, and assistance was rendered. 

“However, the client was unfortunately declared deceased at the scene. SASSA can confirm that the incident did not occur inside the Sassa office, and the client had already concluded his engagement with the Agency at the time of the incident,” it said. 

It concluded: “Sassa extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time and appeals for privacy and sensitivity as the family mourns their loss.”

The Western Cape police spokesperson, Constable Ndakhe Gwala, said no criminal case was registered. 

“The deceased had a medical history.”

 robin.francke@iol.co.za

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