A joint operation led by the Road Traffic Management Corporation's (RTMC) Anti-Corruption Unit, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), and Police Crime Intelligence has resulted in the arrest of fourteen individuals in Mpumalanga. The arrests are linked to a major fraud and corruption scheme involving the irregular issuing of driver’s licenses.
The suspects, aged between 34 and 59, were apprehended during a coordinated law enforcement operation in Sabie, Graskop, Lydenburg, Elukwatini, and Verena. Those arrested include traffic officers, examiners of driving licenses, and a driving school operator.
The operation targeted several driving license testing centers (DLTCs) in the province. In Sabie, a male and female examiner, along with a driving school operator, were arrested at the local DLTC. Four examiners were taken into custody at the Lydenburg DLTC, while two were arrested at the Graskop DLTC. Additionally, four traffic officers in Verena were arrested for soliciting bribes from motorists.
These arrests followed a lengthy investigation, which began in 2021. Investigators uncovered a scheme where driving school owners in Sabie allegedly colluded with officials to issue learner’s and driver’s licenses without applicants undergoing proper tests. It is alleged that applicants were issued licenses in exchange for large sums of money without being tested.
The traffic officers in Verena were accused of accepting bribes from motorists who violated traffic laws, including speeding and other road-related offenses.
This operation, dubbed "Kwanele," aims to clean up fraud and corruption at DLTCs across Mpumalanga. The RTMC emphasized the dangers posed by individuals who obtain licenses through corrupt means, urging the public to avoid engaging in these illegal activities.
Authorities are calling on the public to report any traffic-related fraud or corruption via email at Ntacu@rtmc.co.za or WhatsApp at 083 293 7989. Law enforcement agencies have vowed to continue their efforts to eradicate corruption from the system.
