Hawks Swoop On 11 Vehicle Testing Officials

Eleven officials who work at vehicle testing stations have been arrested for alleged fraud.

The suspects, between the ages of 27 and 57, were arrested by the Polokwane-based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporations RTMC National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit.

It is alleged that during May 2019, the cashiers and vehicle examiners attached to Mookgopong Private Testing Station in Limpopo, did unlawfully, falsely and with common purpose defraud the Department of Transport by authorising and issuing six roadworthy certificates without following due process.

The suspects also used identity documents of another person as an applicant without their knowledge, the RTMC said on Monday.

The RTMC said it had picked up on the illegal activities and opened a case of fraud, which was handed to the Polokwane-based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for further investigation.

The Hawks gathered evidence and handed the docket to the Public Prosecutor for a decision.

The prosecutor issued the summons against the suspects. An operation named SISFIKILE consisting of the Hawks and members of the RTMC was conducted.

The suspects were traced and arrested at various places in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces between 4 and 9 November. The suspects are vehicle owners who received roadworthy certificates and the officials who authorised and issued such certificates, RTMC said.

All suspects were warned to appear in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Polokwane on 12 December to face charges of fraud.

The RTMC said the operation was ongoing to trace further suspects and more arrests are imminent. - SAnews.gov.za