Inquiry into fake licence scam

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Pretoria - Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has ordered an investigation into a fake licence scam operating in Johannesburg.

"Fraud and corruption will not be tolerated at any licensing centre. Therefore, we have instructed the National Traffic Police to investigate allegations of a fake licence scam in Johannesburg.

"We want to re-iterate our warning to any person who involves themselves in such activities, that we will leave no stone unturned in such matters. Those who accept a bribe, as well as those who offer the bribe, will face the full might of the law," said the minister.

He called on the public to report criminal activities to the National Traffic Call Centre on 0861 400 800.

A newspaper reported on Tuesday that fake learner's and driver's licenses were being sold across Johannesburg for R800 and R4 500. The newspaper, which conducted its own investigation, also claimed to have found that fake licenses were available at four of the five City of Johannesburg testing centres.

They were apparently primarily organised by car guards and instructors from "fly by night" driving schools who work with centre examiners.

At Langlaagte, a licence allegedly costs R4 500, at Randburg and Florida R2 500, and in Sandton R2 700. The cheapest learner's licence was R800.

On Monday, a traffic officer and motorist appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court for bribery and corruption.

The traffic officer was arrested in Pretoria East for allegedly accepting a R100 bribe from the motorist on Saturday. The motorist was also arrested for bribing the traffic officer.

Over the past year, several officials and members of the public have been arrested for fraud and corruption related to vehicle and driver licensing.