RTI Impounds 17 Trucks From One Company With Fake Discs and Permits at Midway Weighbridge

The Department of Transport has confirmed that 17 trucks with suspected fake licence discs and operating permits have been impounded by RTI officers at the Midway Weighbridge near Estcourt.

According to the DoT, the trucks were intercepted along the N3 while travelling towards Durban, all carrying loads of granite stones. During inspections, RTI officials detected documentation irregularities involving vehicle licence discs and operating permits, which resulted in the immediate impoundment of all 17 vehicles.

The trucks are reportedly linked to a single operator, DAC Group, marking a significant enforcement action against one company in a single operation.

Video footage from the scene shows the trucks lined up inside the impound yard, with drivers standing around as officials processed documentation and enforcement procedures. At this stage, it has not been confirmed whether any drivers have been arrested or charged, or whether investigations will focus solely on the company and its management.

The incident highlights growing enforcement pressure on non-compliant operators. The use of fake or irregular licence discs and permits goes beyond administrative issues and poses serious risks to road safety while disadvantaging compliant operators who follow the rules.

Read | Mpumalanga truck fleet owner linked to R60 million vehicle licensing fraud

With the N3 being one of the busiest freight corridors in the country, enforcement agencies appear to be tightening the net, particularly on Durban-bound freight movements.

Speaking to SA Trucker, a DAC Group representative said the company’s vehicle licensing is outsourced to an external agency and that they are awaiting feedback from both the agency and RTI.

“We will update you after we have spoken to the RTI on the way forward,” the representative said.

SA Trucker will continue monitoring this case closely.