Department and Hawks bust corrupt officials for issuing fraudulent documentation

Statement by Donald Grant, Minister of Transport and Public Works

This morning, the HAWKS conducted a sting operation at the Lingelethu Drivers Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) where seven officials were arrested. These seven officials are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

These latest arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into the issuing of fraudulent documentation (roadworthy certificates, learners’ and drivers’ licences) at various testing stations, including the Lingelethu DLTC. The investigation had previously led to the arrest of Mr Clive Scheepers, a grade D Examiner for Driving Licences and NaTIS clerk at Lingelethu West DLTC on 01 November 2018. Mr Scheepers was charged with fraud and corruption and his case is set to be heard early next year.

The seven officials arrested this morning are believed to be linked to Mr Scheepers.

Cellphone records and details of money transfers assisted the HAWKS in making these arrests.

Since 2016, the Department of Transport and Public Works has been working closely with the HAWKS to investigate and expose fraud and corruption at vehicle testing stations. This partnership previously saw 31 suspects arrested and charged with fraud and corruption in relation to the issuing of fraudulent vehicle and driver documentation. These 31 suspects are civilians, municipal testing centre officers, Western Cape Government officials, vehicle examiners, and private vehicle testing station owners.

The actions of these corrupt officials have far reaching consequences, particularly on road safety. Too many people believe that there are shortcuts to obtaining the necessary documentation required by law to drive vehicles on our roads; I can assure you, there are not. We will continue to work with the HAWKS to expose fraud and corruption at our testing centres in the Western Cape. We hope that our efforts send a strong and clear message to would-be criminals that they will be caught and thrown in jail.

We are committed to doing all we can to rid our testing centres of fraud and corruption.