A payroll error within the Disaster Management Authority (DMA) has led to a massive overpayment to workers in the “Tsoha O Iketsetse” programme, triggering urgent recovery efforts.
On March 31, a clerical mistake during payment processing resulted in 614 workers receiving M5,000 each instead of the intended M500. This error caused the total pay-out to skyrocket from M307,000 to a staggering M3,070,000.
The error was identified just two hours after processing, upon review of the updated payment report. DMA officials immediately contacted Vodacom, which successfully recovered M4,500 from each of 337 workers – amounting to M1,516,500. An additional M138,547 has since been retrieved through various channels.
Efforts are now focused on recovering the remaining M1,414,953. Despite the setback, many workers have shown willingness to cooperate, returning excess funds personally and via Mpesa. The DMA has compiled contact information for all affected individuals to ensure effective follow-up.
The department has also indicated that it will work with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to pursue those who fail to return the overpaid amounts.
DMA officials urge all outstanding individuals to repay the funds promptly to avoid legal consequences.
