Four vehicle examiners are expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today on charges of fraud and corruption.
This comes after a scam was uncovered at the Green Peace roadworthy testing station in Hammanskraal, north of Tshwane.
The scam involved issuing fraudulent roadworthy certificates using the identity documents of dead people. It is also alleged that roadworthy certificates were issued for vehicles which were never taken to the station for physical testing and examination.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation's (RTMC) National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit together with the South Africa Police Organised Crime Unit and the Gauteng Traffic Police Compliance Unit seized a large number of documents at the station last week Friday.
“Two examiners were arrested on the day on suspicion of involvement in the scam and spent the Christmas long weekend in police holding cells.
“Two other examiners who were not at work at the time are expected to hand themselves at the Pretoria police station this morning,” the RTMC said on Thursday.
This brings the number of suspects arrested in connection with fraud and corruption since the start of the festive season to 28.
The RTMC said 20 suspects, including traffic officers, driving licence examiners, and private citizens, were arrested in Limpopo two weeks ago. A week later four others were arrested at the Clayville private roadworthy testing centre.
“All suspects are out on bail. Investigations are continuing and vehicles concerned will de-registered and owners will be called to account.
“The elimination of fraud, corruption and bribery remains an integral part of ongoing efforts to improve safety on South African roads,” the RTMC said. – SAnews.gov.za
