The South African Police Services (SAPS) arrested three Driver Licensing Testing Centre officials and two driving school owners in Calitzdorp and Oudtshoorn this morning.
The arrests are the culmination of a joint operation between the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works and SAPS, which involved undercover operatives from the Hawks.
“Safely Home is part of an on-going collaboration between my department and the Hawks to bring corrupt licensing officials to justice. These individuals are not only damaging the fabric of our society with their corrupt activities, but are directly contributing to road carnage by putting completely unskilled drivers on the road,” said Carlisle.
Two driving licence examiners from Calitzdorp were arrested for allegedly issuing fraudulent learner’s licences. A further driving licence examiner from Oudtshoorn was arrested, after another examiner provided an affidavit alleging criminal activities.
The owner of Simbela driving school was also arrested. Other arrests are expected to be made in due time.
“Anyone who has obtained a driving licence in Oudtshoorn or Calitzdorp since November 2011 is urged to come forward immediately, as no driving licence cards will be issued for that period until all fraudulent licenses have been identified. We will be monitoring all activities at the DLTCs in both towns until this matter is finally resolved,” said Carlisle.
Carlisle added, “I congratulate the police who took part in this operation, as well as my officials who have supported them at every step of the way. To all those involved in the corruption that is putting unskilled drivers onto our roads, I say this: there is nowhere to hide. We are going to track you all down one by one and put you in jail.”
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MEC Robin Carlisle praises department team and Hawks as first arrests are made
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