More Traffic Officials Arrested In Limpopo Licence Fraud Scandal

The Hawks and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) arrested five more traffic officials on Wednesday at the Bela-Bela Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) for fraud and corruption.

This latest operation brings the total number of driving licence examiners, administration clerks, and driving school instructors arrested at various testing centres in Limpopo since the weekend to 24.

Ongoing Crackdown on Licence Fraud

RTMC CEO Advocate Makhosini Msibi praised the progress of the anti-corruption operation, stating that the arrests continue to yield positive results.

“Eleven suspects were arrested in connection with fraud and corruption at Lephalale DLTC on Friday and over the weekend, while an additional eight were nabbed at Thabazimbi DLTC on Monday,” Msibi said.

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He confirmed that an intensive investigation was launched in 2021 to identify officials and testing centres involved in issuing fraudulent learner’s and driver’s licences in exchange for bribes.

Authorities seized gadgets and equipment believed to be linked to the corruption scheme, which will undergo forensic analysis.

More Suspects Under Investigation

The five newly arrested suspects are set to appear in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Msibi revealed that the ongoing probe has identified more than 1,300 applicants who may have obtained fraudulent licences and will also face legal consequences.

“The team is still working to dismantle corruption networks in the Limpopo province,” he said.

Msibi emphasised that these arrests are crucial in reducing corruption’s grip on the licensing system in Limpopo’s Waterberg district.

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“South Africans are tired of counting bodies on the roads as a result of crashes caused by incompetent drivers. Corruption is not a victimless crime. It robs the state of valuable resources and places a heavy burden on families who bury loved ones every weekend.”

Acting provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Brigadier Desmond Alexander, commended the partnership between the Hawks, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), and RTMC, calling it a significant step in combating fraud and corruption in the province.

Law enforcement agencies have vowed to intensify efforts to clean up fraudulent licensing practices and restore integrity to the system.

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