When can pension benefits be withheld?

Employers sometimes pursue civil or criminal action against employees accused of fraud or dishonesty, but can pension benefits be withheld while those cases are still pending? The law allows pension funds to withhold benefits in certain circumstances, provided trustees exercise their discretion carefully and fairly. Thato Makoaba, associate at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr specialising in employment law, joins KayaBiz to explain the legal framework and what employees and employers need to know.