Four officials have been arrested at a vehicle testing station in Musina, Limpopo, for allegedly fraudulently issuing roadworthy certificates for vehicles they did not physically test.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Matimba Maluleke said the arrests followed months of investigations by the unit, the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s National Traffic Anti-Corruption Unit and the Special Investigating Unit.
Maluleke said the four, three vehicle examiners and a cashier, were arrested at Thusalushaka Testing Station and would soon face charges of fraud and corruption.
“It is alleged that the officials colluded in using the identity particulars of a 60-year-old man to generate roadworthy certificates for scores of vehicles,” said Maluleke.
He added that these vehicles were never brought to the testing station for examination.
“Investigations showed that the man, the owner of the vehicle, was not even aware that his particulars were being used in this manner.”
Maluleke said documents and computers were seized during the raid at the testing station. The suspects are expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
Police conducted a similar raid at the same testing station in December last year and two officials were arrested. They were released on bail and are expected to make another court appearance on April 29.
“Vehicle roadworthiness is one of the major contributors to road crashes and fatalities in South Africa. The raid assisted in reducing this threat in the forthcoming Easter period.”
Maluleke urged residents to work with the police and report any criminal incidents to the police to help create a crime-free society.
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