Roadworthy test worthless
Residents conned at non-operational roadworthy test station
FLORIDA – Alleged conmen are taking advantage of the non-operational vehicle roadworthy test station on West Lake Avenue in Florida. The station is in the same yard as the licensing department, which is currently in operation.
The test station has not been operational for close to two years. It is alleged individuals are posing as officials, luring people into believing the station is operational and conducting supposed legitimate roadworthy evaluations.
One such person is Northside resident Marcell Mashigo, who was unaware the station was not operational.
“Upon my arrival, before I even went out of my car, two men were already at my window telling me that they wanted to help me,” said Mashigo.
Mashigo explained to the men he required a roadworthy test. The men responded by telling him tests are only conducted on Mondays, and he came on the wrong day. They explained there is large waiting list, and offered to speed up the process because they knew an official on “the inside”.
Without any suspicion, Mashigo agreed to this. The men gave him an application form and asked that he supply a copy of his ID book and the prescribed fee of R700.00.
“They told me that at this point they are not charging me anything [for speeding up the process], I’ll just thank them with a cold drink when I receive my roadworthy certificate,” Mashigo recounted.
Although the test would be conducted in Florida, the men explained, Mashigo would need to collect his certificate at the Roodepoort test station on Hoofd Street.
The men took the fee, the copy of his ID and the completed form and instructed Mashigo to wait at the cashiers office at the licensing department. Once all administration formalities were completed, they said, they would return to test the vehicle.
“Two hours passed and I became suspicious, I went out to look for them and I couldn’t find them.”
Mashigo soon realised he had been conned. “I went into the licensing department offices and I was told that the test station has not been working for two years.”
Mashigo reported the incident at the Florida police station and was told there have been several cases like his.
Florida police spokesperson Captain Lydia Mtila-Dikolomela confirmed they have received several complaints from residents who say they were conned at the same non-operational roadworthy test station. “People must not accept help from strangers when visiting the licensing department. They must know that the only help they’ll receive is at the service point,” Mtila-Dikolomela said. She also added people must be patient and avoid short-cuts.
