Search and Seizure Operation conducted at Rand West City Registration Authority in Westonaria
Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, said that an early morning “search and seizure operation” is underway at a Rand West municipal vehicle registration centre in Westonaria, resulting in a temporary suspension of services at the centre.
He said that the joint operation is being conducted by members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the National Anti-Corruption Unit of the Road Transport Management Corporation (RTMC).
“They, together with members of the Insurance Crime Bureau, had combined their capabilities to uncover fraudulent transactions in the vehicle registration processes in Westonaria,” explained Vadi.
Due to the investigations the Centre will remain closed to the public until further notice.
“All attempts are being made by the ANC-led provincial government to address the scourge of corruption within the vehicle registration system.
The public is heavily dependent on the integrity of the system to protect them from being targets of vehicle related crime and from unknowingly purchasing vehicles that originate from various crimes,” added Vadi.
He stated that the provincial roads and transport department was made aware of an erroneous transaction performed at the Westonaria Registration Authority, which prompted the investigation.
“Consequently, audits were conducted and system users were identified who are suspected of being involved in the cloning of vehicles, wherein stolen vehicles are re-registered on the records of similar, non-stolen vehicles,” he explained.
The illegal transactions are linked to vehicles stolen and then re-registered on export records on the national transport information system.
The search and seizure operations are being conducted at the licensing centre itself and at several private premises.
Vadi said that the current operation is part of an ongoing investigation into irregularities in Westonaria and at several other licensing centres in the province.
For more information, contact:
Melitah Madiba
Cell: 073 644 9935
