The Hawks have arrested six vehicle licensing officials in Mpumalanga over 603 fraudulent transactions totaling almost R60 million.
Working with the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), the Hawks rounded up investigations on the officials working in the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison arresting 5 and a Mbombela municipal clerk, said RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane.
“The suspects are alleged to have fraudulently redetermined the classification of hundreds of vehicles to avoid payment of licensing fees and penalties,” said Zwane.
“Extensive Investigation by the RTMC’s NTACU indicates that the province has lost close to R60 million in revenue as a result of the alleged unlawful activities of the suspects,” he added.
Zwane said the suspects are expected to be charged with 603 counts of fraud, corruption and money laundering when they appear in the Mbombela Specialised Commercial Crimes Court later on Monday.
The alleged crimes were committed between 2018 and 2019 and it is believed that they involved collusion with many other officials from registering authorities in the province.
“The RTMC reiterates its commitment in dealing with fraud and corruption and urges members of the public to report all suspicions of malfeasances, bribery, fraud and corruption by sending a WhatsApp message to 0832937989 or sending an email to [email protected],” said Zwane
