Findings of probe into ‘chain of corrupt activities’ at licence centres, driving schools revealed

16
Findings of probe into 'chain of corrupt activities' at licence centres, driving schools revealed
Findings of probe into 'chain of corrupt activities' at licence centres, driving schools revealed

Africa-Press – South-Africa. The head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), advocate Andy Mothibi, says they will leave no stone unturned in uncovering corruption within the Department of Transport and road traffic entities.

On Monday, Mothibi, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula and Road Traffic and Management Corporation (RTMC) CEO advocate Makhosini Msibi briefed the media about the findings of investigations undertaken by the SIU and RTMC.

The SIU has presented an interim report identifying several administrative actions that various authorities should take. The unit has until March next year to complete the investigations and table a final report.

During the briefing in Pretoria, Mothibi said investigations have uncovered “a chain of corrupt activities” in various licence-issuing centres, including driving schools, officials, and willing participant citizens.

“Those corrupt crooks that are involved in this should know that we know how they infiltrate the system,” he added.

However, he said, there were some achievements through the work of the SIU which included 99 acknowledgement of debt documents signed to the value of R45 721 308.75.

Mbalula added the actual value of cash recovered through this process stood at R3 845 264.95.

Meanwhile, cash recovered through the seizure of illegally imported vehicles during joint operations with the RTMC, Hawks, SARS, and SIU, in respect of 375 vehicle recovered in Eastern Cape stood at more than R52 million, he said.

The minister added 190 190 driving licences have been referred to relevant MECs for cancellation, and another 190 173 issued to people who have since died have been referred for cancellation on eNatis.

Mbalula said 44 cases had been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for prosecution, while 128 have been referred to various authorities for disciplinary, executive and/or administrative action.

He added 86 arrests have so far been made for fraud and/or theft during joint operations by the RTMC, Hawks, SARS, and SIU.

Mbalula said these were made up of 36 vehicle testing examiners, 10 eNatis officers, 26 DLTC officials, three police officers, four provincial Department of Transport inspectors and seven private persons.

“Over the last year, we have been working with MECs and SALGA [SA Local Government Association] to implement a number of interventions that are intended to address the root causes of these systemic and operational challenges.

“At the core of these interventions is a seamlessly integrated value chain guided by a single standard under the leadership of the RTMC,” he added.

For More News And Analysis About South-Africa Follow Africa-Press

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here