MINISTER NDEBELE ORDERS INVESTIGATION INTO FAKE LICENCE SCAM

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

According to a report by The Star today (Tuesday, 18 October), fake learner's and driver's licences are being sold across Johannesburg for between R800 and R4 500. The Star investigation claimed to have found that fake licences were available at four of the five City of Johannesburg testing centres. They were primarily organised by car guards and instructors from "fly by night" driving schools who work with centre examiners. At Langlaagte a licence cost R4 500, at Randburg and Florida R2 500, and in Sandton R2 700. The cheapest learner's licence was R800.

"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. Yesterday (Monday, 17 October), a traffic officer and motorist appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court for bribery and corruption.

On Sunday (16 October 2011), the traffic officer was arrested in Pretoria East for allegedly accepted a R100 bribe from the motorist on Saturday (15 October). 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. 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. We are also calling upon the public to report such criminal activities to the National Traffic Call Centre on 0861 400 800,"said Minister Ndebele.

Statement issued by Logan Maistry, Ministry of Transport, October 18 2011

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