Howick traffic official placed under house arrest
The Durban Specialized Commercial Crimes Court has given an UMngeni Municipal employee a five year suspended sentence with strict conditions for her role in fraud related to the issuing learner’s licences at the Howick driver licensing centre.
Ms Thandazile Judith Shelembe, a principal administrative clerk, appeared in court today (21st October 2019). She was fined R9000 or 12 months imprisonment. In addition, she was handed a four-year imprisonment term suspended for five years on condition that she is not found guilty of fraud or theft during that period.
Other conditions are that she has to serve three years of correctional supervision in terms of section 276 (1) (h) of the Criminal Procedure Act (Act 51 of 1977.She has been placed under house arrest for the full duration of the sentence and may not leave magisterial area in which she resides without the permission of the Commissioner of Correctional Services.
She has to perform free community service for 16 hours per month for the first 24 months of the sentence and must complete programmes in life orientation or any other programme that the commissioner may deem necessary at her own expense.
She has to refrain from the use of alcohol and drugs for the duration of the sentence, other than for medical reasons. She has was ordered to report to the Correctional official at his designated office before midday on the 22nd of October 2019.
Shelembe was arrested by the National Traffic Anti-Corruption unit of the RTMC together with the Hawks on 05 June 2019. Her arrest followed an arrest of six officials and nine learner licence applicants on charges of fraud in March 2018.
Ms Shelembe was accused of nine counts of fraud for capturing the information of applicants onto the eNaTis systems, without the applicants actually completing the application and in the absence of the applicants, contrary to the National Road Traffic Act and Regulations.
Ms Shelembe also captured false eye test results for the nine applicants while their eyes were never tested as prescribed. Ms Shelembe also captured the payment for the Learners Licence tests and secured the test dates in the absence of the applicants contrary to legislation. She pleaded guilty to all counts on the 06th of September 2019 and was convicted.
She also faced disciplinary action by her employer and pleaded before resigning with immediate effect last month.
The Magistrate, Mr G Davis said Shelembe’ s actions must not be taken lightly, as this type of crime has been going on for a long time.
The RTMC welcomed the sentence and hoped that it sends a message to others that crime does not pay but has devastating consequences.
Meanwhile the Polokwane magistrate court has released 18 employees of privately-owned vehicle testing stations on R500 bail each. They are to return to court on 29 November 2019.
They were arrested last Thursday on allegations that they issued roadworthy certificates for vehicles that they did not physically examine.
Three of four suspects arrested in Lephalale on similar charges were released on R2500 bail each, the fourth one was granted bail of R1000. They are to return to court on 12 November 2019.
Meanwhile 10 suspects arrested in Marble Hall are set to appear in court tomorrow (22 October 2019).
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Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
Tel: 012 999 5200
