Pretoria - Several testing stations across the country face closure as the National Department of Transport forges ahead with efforts to make the South African roads safer, Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has warned
On Thursday, the Ministerial Task Team appointed by Ndebele to investigate fraudulent cross-border vehicle roadworthy certificates met in Johannesburg to review progress.
During the past seven months, the task team has been gathering evidence to verify the number of vehicles issued with roadworthy certificates in the various provinces, as well as vehicles that failed roadworthy tests, but were subsequently "roadworthied" at testing stations in other provinces.
"All roadworthy certificates issued by a testing station in a certain province but being licensed in another province are being flagged, to the effect that national Department of Transport is investigating the entire issue of cross-border roadworthy certificates. As a result, several arrests and closure of testing stations are imminent," the minister said.
This follows the numerous arrests, convictions, dismissals and de-registrations of government officials, as well as private individuals, over the past year with regards to fraud and corruption.
Several vehicle and driver licensing testing centres have also been shut down.
"Furthermore, we are closely monitoring testing stations suspected of issuing fraudulent roadworthy certificates as well as the entire testing station regulatory process such as testing stations not managing and/or controlling vehicle testing in accordance with relevant legislation.
"Various legislative amendments are also being considered in order to deal effectively with the issue of fraudulent roadworthy certificates, including amending the provisions whereby vehicles roadworthied in certain provinces are being licensed in other provinces," he added.
Meanwhile, the department has warned that law enforcement officers will be out in full force during the festive season.
"No mercy will be shown to any person who disobeys road rules. We call upon all road users to be part of obeying road rules. Before embarking on a trip, test yourself, test your vehicle and act responsibly on the roads. Road safety is everybody's responsibility. Road traffic offences must be reported to 0861 400 800," the Minister said.
