Corruption will not be tolerated at licensing centres, says department

The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) is calling on members of the public with information that will assist them to identify any corrupt examining officials at the Mbombela Driver and Learner Testing Centre to come forward.
This comes after several driving school owners had closed the gates to the Mbombela DLTC on November 1, accusing some officials of increasing alleged bribe money to allow their clients to pass from R1 500 to R2 000.

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The spokesperson for the DCSSL, Moeti Mmusi, said corruption will not be tolerated at any Driver and Learning Testing Centres (DLTCs). He also said the department has a unit that deals with corruption at the DLTCs, and it are currently looking into the allegations. However, it is calling on members of the public with concrete information that will assist them to come forward.

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“We view this matter of corruption in a licensing environment in a very serious light. We are appealing to anyone with information to put it in writing so that it can be investigated. If we find any wrongdoing from our officials, we will not hesitate to take action against them.
“It is very difficult to act on hearsay, because you even do not know where to start. But once we have enough evidence and witnesses to prove that our officials were involved in any corrupt activity, it becomes easier for us to investigate and charge people. People may report any illegal activities to the police or Hawks; they will attend to the matter. They have arrested some of our officials before,” Mmusi said.

Mmusi also said people may contact Corruption Watch on its toll-free number, 0800 204 098.

The Mbombela DLCT is currently operating as per usual.

The driving school owners said they would not comment until they meet with the DCSSL officials on November 15 to discuss a way forward