Midrand: Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has welcomed a criminal investigation into allegations of bribery and fraud related to the issuing of licences at the Midrand Driver Licensing Testing Centre (DLTC).
According to South African Government News Agency, the investigation follows a visit by MEC Diale-Tlabela, who identified the presence of so-called ‘runners,’ including an undocumented foreign national facilitating services for other undocumented individuals. This discovery has raised serious concerns about the potential sale of licences to individuals not legally residing in the country.
The unannounced visit was part of the Department of Roads and Transport’s broader efforts to ensure that all licensing and testing centres operate with integrity, efficiency, and in full compliance with the law. The MEC was accompanied by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Logistics, Greg Schneemann, and the Head of Department, Dr Thulani Mdadane, during which several disturbing irregularities were uncovered.
The visit marks the beginning of a province-wide crackdown on fraud and maladministration within licensing centres. MEC Diale-Tlabela emphasized the importance of intensifying oversight across all Driver Licensing Testing Centres to ensure full compliance and to root out corruption. She urged public servants to honor their oath of service and uphold the values of clean and accountable governance.
Greg Schneemann also expressed deep concern over the state of affairs at the facility, noting that confirmed reports of bribery and fraudulent activity, including the use of a fake passport, were verified on site. He affirmed full support for the MEC, the city, and law enforcement agencies in investigating and taking firm action against any officials implicated in corruption.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) Anti-Fraud Unit and the Department of Home Affairs Anti-Fraud Unit have confirmed that criminal investigations are underway. The facility is managed by the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, and the MEC is scheduled to meet with the City’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) to discuss the future of the centre.