The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the sentencing of four licensing officials for multiple counts of fraud in Standerton, Mpumalanga.
On 29 March 2023, the Middelburg Regional Court sentenced the four officials with hefty fines or imprisonment after they pleaded guilty of multiple charges of fraud.
The officials are:
- Joyce Smangele Selepe: who pleaded guilty to 30 counts of fraud, was sentenced to R80 000 fine or five years imprisonment and a further five years suspended for five years on condition that she is not convicted of fraud during the period of suspension
- Ida Vangile Mdluli: who pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud, was sentenced to R30 000 fine or two years imprisonment and a further two years imprisonment suspended for five years on condition that she is not convicted of fraud during the period of suspension.
- Thembi Mavuso: who pleaded guilty to eight counts of fraud and was sentenced to R50 000 fine or three years imprisonment and a further three years imprisonment suspended for five years on condition that is not convicted of fraud during the period of suspension.
- Mduduzi Robert Nkutha: who pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud and was sentenced to R30 000 fine or two years imprisonment and a further two years was suspended for five year on condition that he is not found guilty of fraud during the period of suspension.
The four are part of the eight officials who were arrested in August 2019 following SIU investigations that uncovered a scam used by the officials to fraudulently dump heavy motor vehicle licence fees, arrears, and penalties which enabled operators to avoid payment.
The SIU was authorised -under Proclamation R37 of 2017- to investigate the allegations of serious maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct by employees, officials, or agents of the Department of Transport and unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property as well as registration and licensing of motor vehicles.
The SIU investigation also included allegations of fraud in the registration of motor vehicle ownership or licensing details, issuing of driving licences, learner's licences or professional driving permits and conversion of foreign driving licences and military driving licences to driving licences, issuing of roadworthy certificates; or issuing of operator fitness cards.
The SIU is also investigating the entering of, changing, tampering with, or manipulation of, data or information on the electronic National Traffic Information System in a manner that was contrary to applicable legislation, manuals, policies, procedures ,prescripts, instructions or practices of, or applicable to the Institutions and resulted or could potentially result in the circumvention of the payment of licensing fees, penalties or any other outstanding moneys due to the State.
In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, the SIU will refer evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers in its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority further action.
Fraud and corruption allegations may be reported via the following platforms:
siu@hotline.co.za / Hotline: 0800 037 774.
Enquiries:
Kaizer Kganyago
Tel: 012 843 0048
Cell: 082 306 8888
E-mail: kkganyago@siu.org.za
