Eight suspects have appeared in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court after allegedly being caught up in a cash-for-learner’s licence scheme at the Marble Hall Driving Licence Testing Centre in Limpopo.
The suspects appeared in court on Monday following a joint operation involving the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), SAPS Crime Intelligence and the Sekhukhune District Tactical Investigating team.
The investigation centres on allegations that applicants were being charged R2,000 for learner’s licences without having to write the required test.
According to investigators, a facilitator based in KwaZulu-Natal allegedly worked with a Limpopo accomplice and officials at the testing centre to process the licences.
The licences were allegedly handled in batches of between 20 and 30, pointing to a wider operation rather than individual cases.
Four arrested in initial operation
Four suspects were arrested on Friday, 11 September.
They included a man from KwaZulu-Natal who was allegedly found in possession of several learner’s licences.
Three testing-centre cashiers were also arrested. Two are aged 63 and the third is 53.
Investigators also allege that cash linked to the suspected operation was concealed on two of the women.
About R4,500 was allegedly found concealed in one woman’s underwear, while another allegedly had R800 concealed in her bosom.
Four additional suspects later handed themselves over to police, bringing the total number of people who appeared in court to eight.
Charges include alleged eNaTIS tampering
The suspects face charges including fraud, corruption and contravention of the Cybercrimes Act.
The Cybercrimes Act charge relates to allegations of tampering with the electronic National Traffic Information System (eNaTIS).
The alleged manipulation of the licensing system is particularly significant because eNaTIS is used to manage key information relating to South Africa’s driving and vehicle licensing system.
The SIU investigation remains ongoing under its Department of Transport proclamation, which covers allegations including unlawful issuing of licences and corruption within the licensing system.
The latest court appearance is a development in the investigation, with authorities continuing to establish the extent of the alleged scheme and the roles of those involved.
The latest SA Trucking News straight to your inbox!
