A mother who was approached by a certain man who promised to get her son a driving licence when tested, now warns against the scam.
Janelle Pentopoulos reckoned that fraud and corruption were rife outside the Randburg Licence Testing Station.
She said when she arrived at the station, a car guard offered to organise a driving licence for her son if she paid him R3 000.
“When we were booking for the testing date, the man assured that he would make sure my son will pass if I pay the bribe,” she said.
She further complained that the man used intimidating tactics to lure them. “He then said that he knew the examiner and my son could only pass if I pay the amount he requested,” she said.
She warned that parents should be aware of this scam and unscrupulous activities outside the station. “This man will offer to stand in the queue for you, to assist with your photos and copies,” she explained.
The son, Nicolas Pentopoulos (19), was so excited on 14 January that he had passed without paying any bribes to the man at the gate who guaranteed that he would only pass the test if he pays.
“The guy approached me again today and told me that he had spoken to the examiner and that was why I passed my licence,” he said.
JMPD spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said the department knows about people operating outside the testing stations in the Johannesburg area.
“We call them ‘touts’ and we have warned people about them,” he explained.
He emphasised that residents should not give personal details to the touts who would promise to get them licences at the station.
“Giving someone your personal details including identity number, residential address and number plates is a high risk and those details can be used for criminal intentions or fraud,” he emphasised.
He concluded that the licensing department was responsible for activities happening within their premises but not outside the station, as it was a public area.
Details: JMPD, 011 758 9100.
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