The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the jail sentence imposed on a vehicle testing official from a privately owned testing station in Limpopo.
This as the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday sentenced Kabelo Chilenge (37) to six years direct imprisonment for fraudulently issuing a vehicle roadworthy certificate for a vehicle that he did not physically examine.
The court found that a suspended sentence would not be appropriate in these circumstances.
The certificate was issued at Quick Test vehicle testing station in Modimolle, Limpopo in April 2022 while the vehicle in question was in a police pound at the time.
Although no evidence to prove that Chilenge benefitted personally from the illicit transaction, the court drew inference that such conduct could not be executed without gratification.
The court said the accused earned a salary and there was no need for him to commit such an offence. It considered that unroadworthy vehicles cause accidents when allowed to operate on the roads.
“The RTMC feels that this sentence is appropriate and serve[s] as a deterrent to others who are involved in such unlawful activities,” said the RTMC.
Members of the public are urged to use the following platforms to report alleged fraud and corruption: email ntacu@rtmc.co.za or WhatsApp to 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za
