Eleven officials who work at vehicle testing stations have been arrested for alleged fraud.
The suspects between the ages of 27 and 57 were arrested by the Polokwane based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU).
“It is alleged that during May 2019, the cashiers and vehicle examiners attached to Mookgopong Private Testing Station in Limpopo, did unlawfully, falsely and with common purpose defraud the Department of Transport by authorising and issuing six roadworthy certificates without following due process.
“The suspects also used identity documents of another person as an applicant without their knowledge,” RTMC said on Monday.
The RTMC noticed these fraudulent activities then opened the case docket of fraud and handed it to the Polokwane based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further investigation.
The SCCI gathered all the evidence. Upon finalisation of the investigation, the docket was handed to the Public Prosecutor for decision.
“The prosecutor issued the summons against the suspects. An operation named "SISFIKILE" consisting of the Hawks and members of the RTMC was conducted.
“The suspects were traced and arrested at various places in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces between 04 and 09 November 2024. The suspects are vehicle owners who received roadworthy certificates and the officials who authorised and issued such certificates,” RTMC said.
All suspects were warned to appear in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Polokwane on 12 December 2024 to face charges of fraud.
The operation still continues in tracing other suspects.
More arrests are imminent. -SAnews.gov.za
