18 May 2006
Pretoria - The Department of Transport (DoT) has dismissed allegations by
Kroll that suggest increased fraudulent driverâs licenses. Investigations into
the issuing of driverâs licenses in relation to the migration from identity
document-based to card licences are progressing well to ensure a credible
system. The DoT is funding the investigations at a cost of R17 m per year.
In February 2005, the Department appointed the Special Investigating Unit
(SIU) to investigate the challenges regarding the;
* irregular issuing of driving licenses
* conversion of forged driving licenses, including foreign licenses
* registration of stolen vehicles on National Traffic Information System
(NATIS)
* control and management of Driving Licenses Testing Centres
The DoT would like to state that there has been impressive progress made in
this regard. For instance, we are now beginning to see an increase in the
prosecutions of individuals and officials involved in these activities. The
North West case being referred to by Kroll is a classic example of the sterling
work being done by government to root out corrupt activities in the issuing of
licences.
We however regret that institutions such as Kroll choose to go to the media
with such allegations instead of approaching the Department. We would still
encourage them to come forward with any information that would assist the
Department in curbing the issuing of fraudulent licences.
The Minister of Transport will soon be making an announcement on the
progress being made by the Special Investigating Unit and the DoT.
Enquiries:
Collen Msibi
Cell: 082 414 5279
Tel: (012) 309 3071
Issued by: Department of Transport
18 May 2006
Source: SAPA
